Simon brings vast experience in a range of large and complex organisations, including both commercial and not-for-profit industries. He joins us from Hft, a social care charity supporting people with learning disabilities in England and Wales, where he was Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive. Simon helped Hft navigate an exceptionally difficult financial environment, strengthening Hft’s financial management.  

Prior to Hft Simon was Finance Director at Affinity Trust, where he co-led the transformation from paper based to system and data driven ways of working.  

Before working in the social care sector, Simon spent 15 years in commercial organisations, latterly as Chief Financial Officer for the Sugar Trading Division at ED&F Man, a global agricultural commodity procurement and logistics merchant. Simon is a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and has a geography degree from Cambridge University. Outside of work he enjoys running and following the ever-changing fortunes of his favourite football team West Ham. 

Simon says: “I moved from the Commercial sector to the not-for-profit sector because I wanted to make a contribution to society and do something which was about more than just making a profit.  I have seen first-hand the impact that person-centred support can have on transforming the lives of people with learning disabilities. I’ve been blown away and humbled by the extraordinary efforts staff in social care make to improve people’s lives. 

I am really pleased to join United Response as it is a values-led organisation which makes a significant difference to the lives of people with disabilities across England and Wales.  It is an exciting time to be starting as the organisation embarks on an ambitious new strategy which will enable it to build on its huge potential.” 

United Response CEO, Kate Terroni says: 

“I’m thrilled to welcome Simon at this point on our journey – his skills and expertise further strengthen our Executive Team and position us brilliantly to deliver on our Big Plan, with financial sustainability giving us the strong foundation we need for a bright future.” 

Find out more about the United Response Team here: Our team – United Response