Meet theLeadershipTeam

Craig Crowley
Craig Crowley

CEO

Chief Executive since 2005

Craig has pioneered many prominent leadership and management positions over the past 25 years within the Deaf and Disability Sectors, obtaining an MBE in recognition of his work. Craig is Honorary President of UK Deaf Sport and Trustee of Royal School for the Deaf, Derby.  A Deaflympian, he also served as the 8th President of Deaflympics 2009-2013.

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/craig-crowley-mbe-frsa-46514218

Karen Draper
Director of Finance & Operations
Director of Finance & Operations
Karen is an accountant who has extensive experience in both public and private financial accounting and has worked in educational establishments and charitable organisations.
Nigel Cleaver
Nigel Cleaver

Head of Interpreting

Head of Interpreting since 2013
Nigel is a qualified and registered Sign Language Interpreter who has extensive experience in lecturing and training. He is a Fellow of ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters) and a former Board member of WASLI (World Association of Sign Language Interpreters).
Mhairi Simpson
Head of Community & Care
Head of Community & Care
Mhairi worked for Places for People in Nottingham City. Since joining AD she has significant experience at all levels within the Community & Care Team, being instrumental in its continued growth. She is a qualified BSL Tutor and has previously worked as a Youth Worker.
Charlotte Jefferies
People Executive
People Executive
Charlotte is a qualified HR Manager who worked for a large telecommunications company before joining Deaf Direct. Charlotte joined AD following the merger with Deaf Direct in 2019.
Amanda Abbott
Business Contracts Manager
Business Contracts Manager - Started August 2021
Emma Phillips
Operations Manager – Communications Interpreting
Operations Manager - Communications Interpreting
Emma is a qualified and registered British Sign Language Interpreter, who joined Action Deafness in 2006 from Sense where she was Support Worker. Appointed Operations Manager in 2020.
Martin Anderson
Operations Manager – Community & Care
Operations Manager - Community & Care
Martin joined AD as the Community Assistant Manager after having previously worked in residential care for older people with dementia. Martin’s customer focused ethos and people management skills led to a promotion to Registered Manager in 2018.
Amanda Penkoks

Equipment Manager

Equipment Manager - Since 2019

Amanda worked for Deaf Direct as Corporate & Governance Manager and previous to that, was the Personal Assistant to the CEO. Now Amanda works as the Equipment Manager following the merger with AD in 2019. 

Paul Redfern
Compliance & Training Manager
Compliance & Training Manager since 2020

Paul is an experienced senior manager who has worked for the British Deaf Association. He is currently the general secretary of BSMHD (British Association of Mental Health & Deafness)

Kate Hulbert

Interpreting Bookings Manager

Interpreting Bookings Manager since 2018
Katie joined AD in 2016 as a Bookings Co-ordinator. Demonstrating excellent customer service and administrative skills, Katie was promoted to Communications Interpreting Bookings Manager in 2018. She has previous experience in childcare/education and the training industry.
Chris Harrison

Service Manager

Service Manager since 2019
Chris is a qualified BSL Interpreter and trained Benefits Adviser. He has worked for educational establishments and in the voluntary sector as an employment adviser and employment manager.
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