Brake welcomes four new trustees in 2023

These new additions join the Board at Brake during an exciting period of growth for the charity. Brake continues to invest in its vital work, campaigning for evidence-based policies and investments to enable everyone to have access to safe and healthy mobility, and in the provision of specialist support for people bereaved and seriously injured in road crashes through the National Road Victim Service. By the end of 2023, the Brake staff team will have grown by nearly 60% in the calendar year, from 37 employees to almost 60.

In the last two months alone, Brake has announced expansion of its National Road Victim Service, through local funding awards to enhance service delivery, to provide face-to-face support for road victims in areas including Warwickshire, Devon & Cornwall and, most recently, in London - with support from Transport for London and the Mayor’s Office.

Brake continues to campaign on important issues and in recent months members of Brake’s team have made high-profile media appearances discussing issues including 20mph speed limits and support for road victims. The charity’s biggest campaign of all, Road Safety Week, is just around the corner, and this year’s campaign is fast becoming one of the biggest yet, with an estimated overall reach of more than 13 million people, and four weeks still to go.

The four new trustees join the eight existing members of Brake’s Board of Trustees, which comprises: social researcher Simon Christmas, consultant Nick Reed, solicitor Joanna Bailey, Helen Gillian, director of quality at NHS Blood and Transplant, road safety campaigner Meera Naran MBE, retired maths lecturer Chris Linsell, and Richard Cuerden, director of TRL’s Academy. Deborah Sleightholme of Hugh James Solicitors continues her role as chair of trustees. They each bring to the table important skills and experience, alongside a passion for road safety.

The new trustees

Lucy Haines, founder and consultant for Tollymore Consulting, is an experienced finance director who brings her business and accounting acumen to the Board as the charity continues to grow and seek further funding.

Lucy said: “I have always been highly impressed with Brake’s track record of successfully advocating for safer and cleaner roads and I have personal experience of being supported by Brake’s National Road Victim Service. I am therefore delighted to be able to contribute my skills and expertise as a trustee to further Brake’s mission.”

Mark Byard, director of safety, health, environment and security at Cadent Gas Ltd, has spent more than 20 years working in safety and operational roles delivering cultural change activities, including devising and implementing National Highways ‘Home Safe and Well’ approach for employees, supply chains and the millions of drivers on high-speed roads.

Mark said: “I have developed a passion for the importance of road safety, having seen the devastating effect that incidents can have on families. I am delighted to have been appointed to the Board of Trustees. I’m really looking forward to seeing what more we can achieve in future.”

Simon Bradbury is a freelance transport safety expert currently working with City of London Corporation. With 20 years of experience specialising in the field of transport safety and strategy, including leading Transport for London’s work to develop the Vision Zero agenda and Uber’s UK and Ireland safety programme, he brings a wealth of experience to Brake’s campaign agenda.

Simon said: “I am delighted to join the board of trustees at Brake and to bring my experience and knowledge to the important campaigns work that must be done to improve road safety in the UK.”

Peter Allen is an independent consultant with diverse experience encompassing executive leadership, corporate and public affairs, organisational development and change. He was an executive director of National Highways for six years, where he led the communications for large road infrastructure projects and introduced the biggest national road safety campaigns for a generation.

Peter said: “Everyone should travel on our roads without fear or harm, and I am proud to join the Board of Brake in their commitment to make this a reality.”