Senior Management Team
Jeff Skipp - Chief Executive
Jeff has worked in the Health and Social Care sector since leaving college in 1986. Having worked for East Dorset Health Authority, Mencap, The National Autistic Society and Hampshire County Council in 1992 he was recruited to Westminster Health and Social Services Joint Commissioning Unit based within Westminster City Council. Whilst at Westminster, Jeff led on the reprovision of day and residential services for people with a learning disability in the City. He also co-ordinated and planned the resettlement of Westminster residents from long stay hospitals back into their local community
In 1994 Jeff went to work for Norwood Ravenswood a charity based in London and the south east which supported both children and people with a learning disability. As Head of Policy & Planning he was responsible for the development of new services, quality assurance, funding and strategic planning functions within the organisation.
In 2000 Jeff left London to join the Papworth Trust a charity supporting disabled people across the eastern region of England. As Director of Community Services he was responsible for the delivery of progression services and social care services across the organisation. Committed to the inclusion of disabled people within society Jeff led on many projects including the Huntingdon Community Learning Centre and associated supported housing project - an award winning scheme which sought to integrate community services for the whole community whilst enabling equal access and opportunity to disabled people.
Jeff joined Deafblind UK in July 2006 as Chief Executive. Working closely with our board he is committed to developing services and support that will enable deafblind people and people with a combined sight and hearing loss to have equal rights and opportunities in society as are enjoyed by sighted hearing people.
Outside of work Jeff has three children and when time allows enjoys the odd round of golf, playing squash and supporting his football team, Arsenal.
Caroline Pons - Director of Fundraising and Marketing
Caroline started her career in 1987 in hi-tech marketing working for a number of educational IT companies including Acorn Computers and Longman plc. After qualifying as a marketing practitioner in 1993, she joined the RSPB where she was responsible for maximising income from trading activities and corporate licensing partnerships.
In 2000 Caroline left the RSPB to work for CJ Wildbird foods, the licensed manufacturer of RSPB’s Birdcare range, helping the company develop similar licensing arrangements with other European bird protection organisations and led the acquisition and integration of a number of complementary businesses including a Netherlands based bird care supplier and wildlife books retailer.
She returned to the voluntary sector in 2003 and joined SPANA; an overseas animal welfare charity, as Director of Fundraising and Communications and was instrumental in helping the charity grow its income from individuals by 70% in three years.
In a voluntary capacity, Caroline is a member of one of the YWCA sub-committees providing specialist input on branding and supporter acquisition initiatives.
