Dawn Dixon – Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for day to day management decisions and implementing and monitoring SAM Advocacy’s strategic plan.
Dawn acts as the direct liaison between the Board of Trustees and Leadership team.
Colette O’Sullivan – Advocacy Director
Colette acts as deputy CEO and supports the CEO in the running of the organisation.
Colette is the safeguarding lead for children, young people and adults.
Jackie Sillett – IMCA Team Lead
Jackie is an experienced Parent Advocate and she also manages the IMCA Team. Jackie is responsible for the relationship between SAM and Swindon DoLs team.
Georgina Duck – Community Team Lead
Georgie is an experienced Mental Health Advocate and she manages the Community Advocacy Team. Georgie is the Deputy to the Safeguard Lead.
Gina Harfield – Team Lead
Gina joined SAM in 2022 and is a qualified IMCA, with experience of Care Act, PRPR and complex advocacy roles.
Gina manages a team of advocates within SAM, with knowledge and experience of wider advocacy frameworks.
Gina also represents SAM at subgroups within the NHS (dementia strategy) and regular provider meetings with SBC.
Caroline Rodie– Community Projects Manager
Caroline manages the non-statutory community-based projects for adults; Boost Your Skills, Project Boost (Day opportunities for adults with LD), and the Learning Disability Partnership Board.
She oversees the recruitment of volunteers for these projects.
Caroline has 13 years’ experience of working with individuals with support needs.
Jane Weston – Finance
Jane is responsible for SAM’s finances; she works closely with the CEO and the senior managers to develop and monitor service budgets.
Our Board of Trustees
Richard James – Chair of the Board of Trustees
Richard has lived in Swindon since 1989 when he moved here from South Wales to work at the Nationwide Building Society headquarters. He first became involved with SAM in 2017 before becoming a Trustee in 2018. He was made the Chair of Trustees in late 2019.
Mark Boden
Mark comes from Port Talbot, a steel town in South Wales. He qualified as a Solicitor and worked in local government for 40 years. Through his legal work and later work as a corporate manager he has experience of all aspects of council work including education, child protection and adult protection. He has done much work in health and social care with the NHS, including developing ground breaking partnership working. Outside work Mark’s interests include history, Medieval churches, and walking.
The Crew
Anthony Dixon
Currently the co-chair and has been on the crew for 8+ years.
“I like helping people, that’s what we’re all about”
Natalie Woods
Natalie joined our team in 2021 and comes with over 10 years’ experience in HR across the charity, public, and private sectors. She is passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces and championing mental health. Outside of work, Natalie volunteers with the Samaritans as a listener, being there for people in crisis with empathy and understanding. She grew up and has remained in Swindon, with her partner, Dan and her slightly grumpy cat, Jerry.
“I was keen to bring my skills and experience to a charity that also aligns with my passion and believe that everyone should be respected, heard and be able to thrive. I’m so excited to be a part of supporting SAM’s mission and to make a real difference. I am continually humbled and proud of the amazing work that SAM does and the wonderful people who are part of SAM. “
Michael Dickinson
Michael is our most recent crew member, having joined us in 2024.
