Trustees and Management
NOCS’ registered charitable objective is to ‘foster a community that supports and promotes social inclusion of people in Dorset who are socially and economically excluded on grounds of their autism spectrum condition (ASC), including Asperger syndrome; or mental ill-health, and who experience high levels of social anxiety and difficulties with social interaction’.
Our core Board of trustees combines a deep understanding and passion for NOCS’ mission and goals with extensive business, management and research experience, as well as previous experience in similar roles where good governance is key. Not least several have lived-experience of ASC. Additional Trustees who bring skills and experience that we require in other fields are scheduled to join us in the near future.
Neil Kernon: Chairman
Neil is a Solicitor Director in Blandford law practice, Kernon Kelleher Solicitors. He was previously in engineering before retraining in the 1990’s to become a lawyer. His involvement in NOCS came about through his interest in the wargaming hobby, as he is a keen painter, and was delighted to be invited to become a trustee, to lend his legal knowledge and business expertise to the charity. Working in town, he is a regular visitor to the premises.
Jennie Fellowes: Treasurer and Safeguarding Lead
Jennie has worked in education both formally and informally for several decades starting in youth work, moving to primary education on discovering the level of disaffection in 13 year olds. In her current role as a primary maths advisor, Jennie has spent many years working with adults, pupils and young people with a range of social anxieties and special needs.
She supported her son Noc, who has Asperger’s, in creating and opening Noc’s Box and she regularly spends free time supporting members in the NOCS’ drop in. BSc Hons Applied Psychology and Computing, QTS, NPQH etc
Angie Potter: Secretary
Sharon Kevern: Trustee and Bid Writing Lead
Byron Quayle: Trustee
Nocturin Lacey-Clarke (‘Noc’): Founder of Noc’s Box and GM of NOCS
Noc has run Noc’s Box, the forerunner of NOCS charity, for several years. He developed and leads the support activities that have been life-changing for so many members. His personal experience of the challenges faced by many users has been fundamental in shaping the services that NOCS provides. Noc is well known locally and nationally in the games world.
Prior to establishing Noc’s Box he worked for the local County Council and Children’s Centre. Noc is both a Town Councillor and District Councillor for Blandford, and Deputy Mayor of Blandford. He works closely with a number of charities and volunteer groups throughout the town. His connections and local knowledge put him in an excellent position to signpost users both to NOCS and also towards other organisations that may benefit them.
Noc is responsible for the day-to-day management of NOCS’ activities and works closely with the trustees on the charity’s direction and priorities.
Francoise Henon-Lees (Fran): Volunteer Lead and Facilitator for NOCS Charity
Fran has been a familiar and friendly face in NOCS ever since she charity began. Having started as a member she has an excellent understanding and appreciation for our ethos and leads our volunteers with clarity and kindness.
Volunteers from among our community support Noc in running our activities. This delivers part of our objective of providing opportunities for members to gain work experience and further develop their social skills.
A robust Constitution and supporting policies and procedures are in place to ensure that NOCS has strong governance, complies with its legal requirements and is run professionally.
