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 Jon Sparkes OBE as its new Chief Executive, starting in June this year.
Jon Sparkes, Mencap's new Chief Executive
Jon is an experienced leader in the charity sector, joining Mencap from his current role as Chief Executive of UNICEF UK, having previously worked as Chief Executive at Crisis UK and Scope. He brings a breadth of valuable
experience
Experience is when you have learned or tried something before.
, with a strong track record of growing scale and impact at major UK charities.
Jon also has notable experience in non-executive positions for charities and social enterprises, including SeeAbility, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary
Organisations
Organisations are groups like companies and businesses.
(ACEVO) and the Centre for Homelessness Impact.
Commenting on his appointment, Jon Sparkes OBE said:
"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the Mencap team, and to lead the organisation working to make the UK the very best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
“It is unacceptable that people with a learning disability continue to face inequalities and
discrimination
Discrimination is when someone is treated differently (usually in a bad way) because of things like their disability or their
religion
Religion is to do with the things you believe about the world. For example you may believe there is a god or something else. Examples of religions are Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
.
. Mencap's work to deliver high quality and empowering support services at the same time as working alongside people with a learning disability to
campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
for equal
rights
Rights are the things everyone should be allowed to do like have a say, or go to school.
and opportunities is an inspiring mission that we should all get behind. It will be an absolute honour for me to play a part in this movement and to work with the incredible team that delivers Mencap's work day-in-day-out."
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, Chair of Royal Mencap Society said:
“I and my fellow trustees are thrilled that Jon will be joining Mencap as our new CEO. He brings a unique mix of leadership experience across both service delivery and policy influence at the highest level, alongside a deep commitment to leading
values
Values are the things that are important to you. Mencap's values are being passionate, inclusive, brave, positive, and kind.
-led organisations.
“Jon’s personal passion for improving the lives of people with a learning disability will be invaluable as we continue on our mission to make the UK the best place in the world to live for people with learning disabilities. We look forward to working with him and the rest of the outstanding Mencap team to make this a reality.
“I would also like to take this chance to thank Jackie O’Sullivan who has led Mencap with such skill and dedication as our Acting CEO over the past 5 months. Jackie will continue in this role until Jon joins us later this year.”
Mencap’s Acting Chief Executive Jackie O’Sullivan will continue in her role until Jon joins in early summer.
-ENDS-
An
easy read
Easy Read is a way of making written information easier to understand. Pictures are usually added next to the writing.
version of this statement can be found here.
For further information or to arrange an
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
with a Mencap
spokesperson
A spokesperson is someone who speaks up about something. They usually speak up on behalf of a group or organisation.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's experience.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: media@mencap.org.uk or 0207 6965 414 (including out of hours).
Notes to editors:
Jon Sparkes’ LinkedIn profile can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-sparkes-obe-526b1847
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 with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and fight for better health, social care 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.