Directors' Biographies

Dr Les Davies

I am married with two grown up children and two grandchildren. I served on Beaconsfield Town Council from 1991 - 2011 and was mayor of the town 1998/99. I have been a school governor and am also a member of the Woodlands District Scout executive committee. Conservation of the built and natural environment is important to me and I am a keen allotment gardener.

Audrey Coles

I am married with four grown up sons and seven grandchildren. I have been involved with carers' issues for many years. I was myself a Carer (in three different situations) for over twenty years. I am a trained counsellor and I am passionate about the needs of carers, and want to share the experience I have gained to benefit others.

I have had 30 years of experience of working with the Beaconsfield Advisory Centre, and have a wide knowledge of benefits, housing, employment issues etc. I have been running a Carer’s Support Group in Beaconsfield for 20 years, and am well informed about the needs of Carers. I have been a ‘Listening Ear’ for both South Bucks Carers and Carers Bucks for 15 years.

Margaret Aston

I have been a Councillor on the County Council since 1993 representing Haddenham. I currently chair the Appeals and Complaints Commitee and the Dementia Services Group. I am very involved in local affairs and Chair the Haddenham Parish Council and the Playing Fields Committee and Vice-Chair of the Youth Centre.

George Abraham

I was born in East Africa and have a wide and varied experience of working in commercial, not-for-profit and charitable organisations both in the UK and overseas. I have a degree in business and an MBA and am currently Director of Strategic Alliances at UK Work Study. I joined Carers Bucks' board in 2006 and was appointed Treasurer in 2007 -11.

Sheila Syratt

As an ex-carer I have personal experience of issues surrounding the role of carers. I ran my own business for 15 years and have worked in local government and the private and voluntary sectors. For five years I managed and developed a service specifically for carers. A trained counsellor, I have also facilitated carers’ support groups.

I became a Director in March 2003 and bring to the Board a common sense and practical approach to the strategic management of Carers Bucks.

Mike Rowlands

I have lived in Bletchley for 41 years, married with three children. Until I retired in April 2008 I was Chairman of Milton Keynes General Hospital. I have been a governor of several schools in Milton Keynes, both mainstream and special and continue to Chair the Governing Body of The Redway School where I have been involved as a parent and Governor for 35 years.

In 2008 I was very pleased to become a Trustee of Carers Bucks/Milton Keynes as I am involved in disability issues in Milton Keynes with a particular interest in learning disability as one of my daughters is profoundly disabled. I enjoy motor cars especially vintage and love driving.

John Maitland

During a long career with IBM I worked in the UK and abroad in IT, finance, planning, communications and public affairs roles. After retirement from IBM I was Chief Executive of the national charity AbilityNet for ten years. I am currently Honorary Treasurer of three other local charities supporting people with disabilities, youth volunteering and community activities. I have been an ordained minister of the United Reformed Church since 1989, am married with 4 children, and my interests include family, walking, church and the local community.

Keith Panes MBE

I am also a new recruit to the Board of Directors at Carers Bucks. I am married with 2 children and come from an education background; I was Headteacher at Buckingham School and have worked for the government on their Academy projects. I have been a governor at a school in Milton Keynes and I am the Trustee of a the charity Cancer Active. My interests include golf and supporting MK Dons.

Marzia Sayani

I am originally from Uganda and came to the UK in 1973 and have lived in Milton Keynes since 1997. I work for the Department of Work and Pensions as well as being a carer for my husband who suffered a stroke in 2003. I am very involved with the local Asian community in Milton Keynes and received an MBE in 2010 for my work at the DWP on equality and diversity. I am a bereavement counsellor and welfare officer within the Asian community. I am involved in the Carers' Forum in Milton Keynes and Interfaith and have been involved with fundraising for a number of local charities such as Willen Hospice as well as international disaster appeals for Pakistan and Haiti. I have two grown up sons.

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