Sinéad O'Connor (Co-Chair)
I have been working in the field of social inclusion for twenty years, with over a decade being spent managing in the voluntary and community sector. My experience includes community development, advocacy, mental health, children and families, health promotion, young people, drug and alcohol support and voluntary sector capacity building.  I have Chaired a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Arts Group, run a training and development consultant business and was an early member of a patient’s advocacy project in mental health. I have also been involved in social policy research and campaigning at national level. I am interested in strategic development and in particular how to apply national and local policy in concrete ways that make a positive difference.

Dave Brown (Treasurer)
A Management Accountant by training with over 30 years experience of business management in IT mainly in Southern Europe/ Middle East. After early retirement, a return to Manchester, a holiday in the MRI and severe boredom, I am now a community advocate/ activist; a Director of New East Manchester Regeneration; on the Board of Valuing Older People; Chair of the MCC Anti Social Behaviour Task Group; Governor of Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust; Gorton Ambassador for Care & Repair and ex Director of Eastlands Homes.

Maggie Walker
I am the Chief Executive of Manchester Care & Repair and bring my experience in that role and in working on social issues alongside Manchester City Council to my role on the MACC Board. Through my work and current caring role, I am keen that older people’s voice is heard and that support and care are flexible and responsive. As a Manchester resident and foster parent of a young man with learning disabilities I am keen that all care and support develops to meet our varied needs.

Val Bayliss-Brideaux
Between 2004 and 2007, I worked for the Black Health Agency as Patient and Public Forum Co-ordinator for the Manchester Primary Care Trust forums. This involved working alongside a group of local volunteers who look at inspection and monitoring of the NHS. Prior to this I was working with the Community Health Council for South Manchester and often worked with MACC. I was also involved in supporting the relatives and carers of the patients on Rowan Ward in Withington Hospital and have an interest in what MACC’s work around mental health and older people services. In January 2008, I joined Manchester Primary Care Trust as a Patient and Public Involvement Officer based in South Manchester. I continue to maintain my links with MACC organisation and its work as a member of the Committee.

Ashley Wood
I am a Qualified Social Worker and currently Assistant Chief Exec of the Gaddum Centre, a founder member organisation of MACC. I am responsible for the Advice, Advocacy and Information Service and the Patient and Public Involvement in Health Projects at the Gaddum Centre. I have worked in both statutory and voluntary sectors with my main interests being in people’s rights in community care and health provision.  I also provide training in Advocacy, and Community Care – “Making sense of the Legislation”.