Our people

At The Brain Charity we’re here for anyone affected by a neurological condition, providing emotional support, practical advice and opportunities to connect through social activities. We’re also proud to champion neurodiversity and work towards building a more inclusive and understanding society.

Behind everything we do is our small but passionate team of 45 staff and 58 active volunteers, all committed to making a real difference in people’s lives.

We are proud to be able to say more than half of our staff and at least 60 per cent of our volunteers have lived experience of neurological conditions.

This personal insight shapes everything we do, helping us provide more understanding, compassionate and meaningful support to those we serve.

Our departments

The Brain Charity is made up of several dedicated teams, each playing a vital role in helping us achieve our mission.

Click on their names for a quick look at what each department does:

This department is at the heart of the charity’s mission.

Our Services team delivers direct support to those who need it most, running programmes and offering help that changes lives every day.

Our Finance team looks after the charity’s funds.

They make sure we’re spending wisely, staying within budget and using every pound to make the biggest difference.

This team helps spread the word about our work and brings in the support we need to keep going.

From raising funds to running campaigns, they make sure people know who we are and how they can get involved.

Behind the scenes, our Business Operations team keeps everything running smoothly.

They look after things like our building, computers and supplies, making sure our teams have what they need to do their jobs well.

Our Human Resources department looks after our people.

They help recruit new staff, support employee wellbeing and make sure The Brain Charity is a great organisation to work for.


Our CEO: Pippa Sargent

Headshot of Pippa Sargent wearing colourful glasses and shawl. She is smiling at the camera against a background with Brain Charity logos
Pippa Sargent CEO of The Brain Charity

Pippa has 25 years’ experience working in the health, voluntary, social, public and private sectors, leading programmes and campaigns to improve and save lives.

In a career focused on public health, mental health and wellbeing, she has held senior roles in the NHS, local and national government, the third sector and in commercial settings.

Over her career, Pippa has:

  • Led behaviour change and strategic communications initiatives that have brought about health policy improvements,
  • Worked to ensure people have a say in change programmes, and
  • Led the development of new innovations that prevent ill-health.

She has also held director level positions with:

  • Men’s mental health movement the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM),
  • The Tobacco Free Futures regional tobacco programme, and
  • As a senior advisor on Public Health England’s first digital mental health resource, Every Mind Matters.

In addition to a career working to improve people’s lives, Pippa has direct family experience of supporting relatives living with neurological conditions and who are neurodivergent.

Her personal values include kindness, curiosity, gratitude, courage and laughter.

As The Brain Charity’s CEO, Pippa has responsibility for the overall strategic direction, business development and financial sustainability of the organisation.


Our Heads of Department

Headshot of Jamie Bonser smiling at the camera against a background with Brain Charity logos

Jamie
Interim Head of Services and Projects

Jamie ensures our work meets the needs of the people we serve and maintains high standards across all delivery.

Headshot of Debbie Pickering smiling at the camera against a background with Brain Charity logos

Debbie
Head of Finance

Debbie oversees all financial planning and reporting, ensuring we remain transparent and financially sound.

Headshot of Tui Benjamin Thorp smiling at the camera against a background with Brain Charity logos

Tui
Head of Communications and Fundraising

Tui leads on raising the charity’s profile and securing vital income, shaping our message and building lasting relationships to inspire people to support our cause.

Headshot of Lubna Kabalan looking at the camera against a background with Brain Charity logos

Lubna
Head of Business Operations

Lubna keeps everything on track, making sure our teams have what they need to work effectively.

Headshot of Stephanie Hollywood smiling at the camera against a background with Brain Charity logos

Steph
Head of People

Steph ensures we’re a fair, supportive and inclusive organisation where people feel valued and able to thrive.