Meet The Team
Staff
Vicky
Chief Executive
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Extremely important to me from both a personal and professional perspective, I lead our award-winning charity’s mission to reduce inequality and improve the lives of autistic adults and unpaid carers through evidence‑based, autism‑informed support. I oversee the development of high‑impact programmes that strengthen independence, wellbeing and financial resilience, whilst ensuring that our organisation operates to the highest standards of safety, accessibility and effectiveness.
Vivian
Volunteer Coordinator
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
It is a privilege to be a member of the BAAS team, to look after the Befriending Service and to see Volunteers and Service Beneficiaries develop fulfilling friendships. My previous experience in local government and as a volunteer has shown me how rewarding it is to connect people with each other. I look forward to welcoming new Volunteers onboard and to help develop our services across Bolton and Bury, as BAAS continues to grow.
Carol
Outreach Project Lead
Designated First Aider
I am excited and privileged to work for a charity that supports both Autistic Adults and their Carers. I have a background working within the local community charity sector. BAAS is about inclusion, making new friends, learning new skills and sharing experiences. I am proud to be a part of this, watching the charity flourish, thrive and grow.
Jasmine
Training & Outreach Facilitator
Designated First Aider
I discovered BAAS as a Service Beneficiary first and quickly built up a rapport with them leading to my involvement in running art workshops and now as a Training Facilitator. I am an artist and come from a teaching background with a keen interest in teaching Autistic Adults. My role is to deliver BAAS’s training modules to our Volunteers and external organisations, and provide facilitation for BAAS’s Outreach Program.
Zara
Employment Adviser
I am an Autistic individual, and a mature psychology student, with a keen interest in neurodivergent research. I love using my lived experiences to help others, and I’m proud of working with BAAS, it is an amazing charity, which affords me the opportunity to learn, grow and play a role in supporting Autistic individuals within the community.
Laura
Welfare Benefits Adviser
I was originally signposted to BAAS from the NHS Autism Post-Diagnostic Team, with my newly diagnosed daughter. The information, advice and guidance we received from the BAAS Team was phenomenal. This support motivated me to also become a BAAS employee, allowing me the opportunity to support Autistic Adults and Unpaid Carers to navigate the welfare benefits system.
Poppy
Operations Administrator
I’m currently a full time student undertaking a degree in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion. Due to my personal experience, I have a particular interest in neurodiversity. At BAAS I support other members of the Operations Team with administration, and I feel really fortunate to gain experience working for a charity that supports my long term career goals.
Life can be challenging,
We’re here to help.
Officer Trustees
Anita Powley
Chair Person
I came to BAAS first of all as a Service Beneficiary. I received what I describe as ‘first class’ support with both kindness and respect. Because of this I became passionate about supporting others, and their carers. I first became a Volunteer Befriender before progressing to being a Trustee of BAAS, and then Vice-Chair. I am now extremely proud to be the Chair Person of the Board Trustees, and want my passion for helping others to run through everything I do for the Charity.
Ralph Ellerton, FCA
Vice-Chairman & Treasurer
I have worked with a large charity and two schools specialising in children with autism, and I am thrilled to be working now with BAAS as we expand our innovative approach to the support of adults and carers. BAAS have developed a unique service and we will now work to expand this to a wider community.
Nathaniel Akande
Secretary
I am proud to serve as a trustee at BAAS, supporting the charity’s
governance and helping ensure our work is well-structured, transparent, and impactful. I am passionate about organisations that make a real difference in people’s lives, and BAAS does exactly that—creating a supportive community where autistic adults and volunteer carers feel heard, valued, and empowered. Being part of BAAS means contributing not just skills but commitment to a shared vision: delivering meaningful support with dignity, respect, and excellence.
