Learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. charity Mencap is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynne Peacock as its new Chair of Trustees, starting in January 2026.
Lynne is an experienced leader in both the commercial and charity sectors. She brings a breadth of valuable experience Experience is when you have learned or tried something before. , with over 25 years at Board level as both an Executive and Non-Executive Director. This includes being UK CEO of National Australia Bank’s U.K. Businesses and CEO of Woolwich plc, as well as a range of non-executive roles including at TSB and Nationwide. She has served nearly ten years as Chair of Learning Disability Network London, a charity supporting people with a learning disability and their families in the capital.
Lynne will be taking over the role from Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, who announced in July that she would be departing from her role as Mencap’s Chair of Trustees. Lynne’s appointment comes following an extensive search for someone who can lead Mencap as it delivers its ambitious
strategy
A strategy is a plan to show what an organisation, or a person, wants to do and how they are going to do it.
to support more people with a learning disability to succeed in the things that really matter to them.
Lynne said: “I am delighted to be joining the Mencap team and look forward to supporting their important work. Through my work at LDN London, I have seen at first hand the shocking inequalities that people with a learning disability experience. Mencap’s work in breaking down these barriers is tremendously important and I look forward to supporting them to achieve real change for people who deserve better.”
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive at Mencap said: “I am very pleased to welcome Lynne to the Mencap team, particularly as she brings such a wealth of experience and knowledge Knowledge is knowing a lot about something. . 2026 is a landmark year for Mencap, as we celebrate our 80th birthday and launch our new five-year strategy - we have big ambitions for the years ahead.”
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] or 02076 965414 (including out of hours).
Note to editors
About Mencap
Mencap exists to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people directly and
campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and campaign for better health,
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
and
employment
Employment means having a job.
opportunities for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
What is a learning disability?
- A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability which affects someone for their whole life. Typically, people with a learning disability need more time to learn and process information. They may need extra support to develop skills, complete tasks and interact with others, or they may have more complex needs requiring round-the clock care. The level of support needed is different for everyone and may change during a person’s lifetime.
- Learning disability is NOT a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Often, the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used in place of ‘learning disability’. Having a learning difficulty (such as ADHD or
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
) may mean a person learns at a different pace or in a different way BUT – unlike a learning disability - it does not affect a person’s intellect. With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead happy, healthy, independent lives. At Mencap, it’s our mission to remove societal barriers and shatter misconceptions to make this more possible for more people.
Mencap’s guide to reporting on Learning Disability
When it comes to creating content with people with a learning disability, we know many people feel nervous about saying and doing the wrong thing. Our guide for journalists, covers everything from up-to-date facts and figures to the right language to use. It also includes tips on how to work with people with a learning disability to gather the best content.
