About WECIL

WECIL is an award winning, user led organisation supporting Disabled people to live the life they choose. Our approach is fully person centred. Our staff have lived experience and this informs the support we offer.

Mission Statement

We are an organisation of Disabled people working together to enable choice. We challenge the barriers to independent living through the delivery of high-quality support and advice.

Provide a service for all Disabled people, whatever their background or needs;
Lead in best practice for the delivery and development of services that support Independent Living;
Deliver value for members, funders and service users by providing services that make a difference to people’s lives;
Challenge barriers to Independent Living wherever we encounter them;
Include the views and opinions of all our service users in everything we do;
Be seen as the first place to go by anyone looking for support for Independent Living.

We understand that everyone's needs are different. As a user led organisation, we know the benefits of individual, bespoke support and we are committed to doing our best to find that for you.

User Led

We are an award winning, user led organisation dedicated to supporting independent living to create a more inclusive society. We work with anyone who identifies as being a Disabled person.

Our Trustees

Ruth Pickersgill MBE

Role: Chair of Trustees

She/Her

I am committed to promoting disability equality and to improving services for Disabled people in the region, and I am convinced this is best done through organisations led by, and accountable to, Disabled people ourselves. I was involved in the setting up of WECIL in 1995 and was its first Director, so I feel really privileged to now be able to serve as its Chair.

I enjoy working with such a committed and enthusiastic Board of Trustees, and particularly to be able to utilise their personal experience of trying to minimise disabling barriers . I am constantly amazed at the breadth of the work that WECIL staff are undertaking, and the most positive aspect of the role is hearing feed back from Disabled young people and adults and their families about the positive difference WECIL had made to their lives.

I have spent all of my professional career in equalities work, including being Principal Disability Equality Officer for a Local Authority in the 1990s, and have also delivered disability equality and other equality training to to a wide range of professionals and organisations for over 40 years. I have worked in three Disabled People's Organisations and also schools, colleges and the Council, always in leadership roles that involve making strategic and policy changes on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues. I was also elected as the local Councillor for Easton ward from 2016-21, and I have chaired several other Boards and governing bodies, and been a trustee of several refugee and equality organisations in the past.

I became Disabled in my early 20s whilst I was a primary teacher and had to give up work for a period. Having a physical impairment meant I had to rethink my career path and became drawn to equality work. I feel privileged to have worked with, and become friends with, so many amazing talented disabled people over the years, who I would otherwise never have met

Victoria (Vicki) Kaye

Role: Vice-Chair of Trustees

Treasurer

WAIT Volunteer

She/Her

Vicki Kaye is a Trustee and holds the officer positions of Vice Chair and Treasurer. Vicki also volunteers for WECIL as a member of the WECIL Access & Inclusion Team (WAIT), formerly known as Bristol Physical Access Chain (BPAC), which underlines her commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion for Disabled people not just in Bristol, but across the country. Vicki brings to her Board roles expertise built up from her background in the legal profession as well voluntary experience including working at the Townsend Social Club for people with learning difficulties, chairing the parent/carer Lanercost Association at the North Bristol Hub.

Vicki is a user of WECIL’s Independent Living Payments Support services, benefiting from advice in managing her Direct Payment and from Payroll services to support her as an employer of Personal Assistants. Vicki tells us ‘I have lived experience of disability from the age of 12 and learned to negotiate the world of school, college and work without assistance. I also cared for my brother who had Down's Syndrome for many years. I didn't know I could get support until I was referred to Bristol city Council and WECIL. In many ways life has been a lot easier for me since then and enabled me to do the things I really want to do’.

Vicki’s engagement with WAIT leverages her background and personal experiences to influence positive changes in the built environment. WAIT collaborates with building owners, organisations, developers, and service providers in both the private and public sectors, striving to enhance access for all. Vicki’s role in this vital team emphasises her dedication to fostering environments that welcome everyone, reflecting her deep understanding of the challenges faced by Disabled people.

As a Trustee, Vicki supports WAIT’s efforts to raise awareness about the importance of embedding access and inclusion principles within all aspects of societal infrastructure. The team’s close partnership with Bristol City Council and its expanding influence throughout the region and beyond mirror Vicki’s hopes for a more inclusive society. Her work with WAIT and WECIL is a testament to her belief in the power of community-led initiatives to drive significant, lasting change.

Vicki’s involvement with WAIT not only showcases her professional expertise but also her personal commitment to making the world a more accessible and inclusive place for Disabled people. Her contributions to WAIT and WECIL exemplify her dedication to improving the quality of life for Disabled people, making her an invaluable asset to the organisation and the communities it serves.

Steve Strong

Role: Trustee

He/Him

Steve Strong is a committed Trustee at WECIL, bringing his belief in the power of a user-led organisations for Disabled people in the area to the forefront of his role. He is driven by the desire to make a real difference in the lives of Disabled people and is passionate about WECIL's role in influencing decision-makers to improve practices within key local agencies.

Steve has recently retired from a distinguished career spanning the NHS, Social Services, and the Voluntary Sector, predominantly focusing on services for people with learning disabilities. His extensive experience includes working on the Personalisation agenda for the Department of Health, where he advocated for personalised care approaches and the implementation of Personal/Individual Budgets.

In 2001, Steve took on a secondment at the Department of Health as part of the Valuing People Support Team, dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with learning disabilities. This role later extended to the Personalisation Team and a year at the Office of Disability Issues, where he concentrated on implementing government policy to improve the life chances of Disabled people, with a particular emphasis on the crucial role of User-Led Organisations like WECIL.

Post-Department of Health, Steve worked as a Consultant for the National Development Team for Inclusion, lending his expertise to further the inclusion of Disabled people across various initiatives. Even in retirement, he continues to work as an advocate for people with learning disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in societal developments.

Steve's commitment to WECIL is informed by a career of advocacy and operational management, ensuring that the organization remains a strong and influential voice for Disabled people in the region. While Steve does not have personal experience of disability, he is passionately driven to ensure that people who are neurodivergent or learning disabled have their voices heard so that they can shape the services that they receive.

Lindi Doy

Role: Vice-Chair of Trustees

Lindi Doy serves as the Vice Chair at WECIL, motivated by a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of Disabled people and their families. Her decision to become a Trustee at WECIL stems from a deep-rooted belief in equality and inclusion for all, influenced by her upbringing in the developing world where her parents worked in healthcare. Lindi’s early experiences instilled in her a conviction that everyone deserves equal treatment, regardless of their circumstances.

Lindi finds great fulfilment in giving back to WECIL, which has previously supported her as a service user. She values the opportunity to contribute to a board that plays a significant role in supporting the Disabled communities across the West of England, enhancing the vibrancy and effectiveness of our organisation.

Her professional background in factual television production, with roles at BBC London and Bristol as well as in the independent sector, endowed her with a rich set of skills and experiences. Lindi underwent a life-changing aneurysm and brain injury in 2006. Since then, Lindi has continued her prolific contributions including volunteering with NHS Devon to deliver self-help courses and working with Bristol Mind as an information volunteer. Additionally, she contributes to The SS Great Britain's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion steering committee and Community Outreach, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to inclusion.

Lindi's personal journey with disability began with her brain injury, providing her with first-hand experience of the unique challenges posed by invisible impairments. She also supported her father following his sight loss due to macular degeneration, further deepening her understanding and empathy for the diverse experiences within the Disabled community.

Drawing on both her professional background and her lived experience of disability, Lindi views her role at WECIL as a privilege. She is dedicated to leveraging her insights and experiences to advocate for and support WECIL’s mission, embodying the values of equality and inclusion that have guided her throughout her life.

Karen Amegashitsi

Role: Trustee

I have been a trustee of WECIL since 2021. My professional background is in social work. I qualified in 1992 and since then have worked with both adults and children and families. Most of my career being in fostering and adoption. I retired from this in 2019.

Like most black people I have experienced racism. I have always had a sense of equality and justice and promoted equality, including the social model of disability within my work and personal life. I became disabled in 2017 and this has given me lived experience of how many challenges and barriers disabled people face in society.

Previously I have been a trustee on the management committed of two HIV charities, and volunteered at a Hospice. I was also on the management committee at a charity promoting the development of black women.

I am pleased to have joined WECIL as a trustee and aim to bring my skills and knowledge to this role, whilst also gaining new skills and knowledge

Elise Hurcombe

Role: Trustee

Chair of the Quality Subcommittee

I am hugely passionate about culture, equity and inclusion as a driver for change. The opportunity to play a defining role in leading on transformational change that WECIL represents is the motivating factor for my application. My goal in my work at Bristol City Council as the Arts Development manager in the strategic envisioning, development, and creative delivery of Bristol’s cultural programme and creative industries sector, is to make the biggest possible positive impact for its communities, visitors, and culture sector. Working within Bristol City Council’s Art Development team since 2016, I have wide connections within the cultural sector and can support WECIL to further develop your work in this area. I am an active member of the One City Culture Board and currently co-chair the DIY Arts Network.

My own lived experience as a disabled, queer, white woman of being excluded in many contexts informs my practice. I advocate an inclusive way of working that embraces intersectionality and the interconnected nature of social categorisations, such as race, class, mental health, and gender. I think deeply about what inclusion and unseen diversity means and about how to adapt to open up opportunities for everyone and have put practices into place in all my work.

Natasha Harrison

Karl Stephenson

Frances Bathurst

Role: Trustee

She/Her

Frances Bathurst brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal connection to her role as a Trustee at WECIL. Her journey with WECIL began through personal support received during her time at UWE Bristol, where WECIL assisted in facilitating reasonable adjustments and a blue badge application through our workASSURED service, which is part of Disability.Inc’s consultancy support. This positive experience, coupled with a colleague's encouragement, led Frances to join WECIL as a Trustee, finding it a perfect match for her desire to volunteer in a role that aligns with her values and leverages her expertise in Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI).

At the core of what Frances values about her work with WECIL is the our commitment to the social model of disability, which focuses on removing societal barriers that disable people, rather than the individual's impairment. She is moved by the passion and dedication of everyone involved, from staff to volunteers, all united in their mission to advocate for Disabled people's rights and to create a more inclusive society.

Professionally, Frances serves as an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, with a five-year tenure as an EDI professional. Her background includes significant experience in data and evaluation, skills she brings to WECIL to help demonstrate the impact of our work.

On a personal level, Frances navigates life as a Disabled person with multiple health conditions, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, ADHD, Ulcerative Proctitis, and mobility impairments. This lived experience, along with her role as a carer from a young age, informs her understanding of the diverse needs within the Disabled community.

Frances's journey has been one of learning and adaptation, gaining strength and insights from the Disabled community.

Frances proudly identifies as Disabled, valuing the unique perspectives and skills this brings, such as creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Her dedication to advocating for Disabled people's rights and wellbeing is evident in both her professional work and volunteerism at WECIL.

John Dolton

Role: Trustee
Chair of the People Subcommittee

He/Him

John’s professional background is rich in Human Resources, having held the position of HR Director at both UK and international levels across several organizations. His extensive experience in HR and as a member of senior management teams equips him with a unique skill set that benefits WECIL beyond just HR expertise. Currently, John also serves as a trustee for Bristol Samaritans and Healthwatch (Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire), further demonstrating his commitment to community support and welfare.

While John does not identify as Disabled, his family's experience with neurodiversity has given him personal insight into the challenges and perspectives of Disabled individuals. This personal connection, combined with his professional acumen, makes him a valuable member of the WECIL team.

Serving on a Disabled People’s Organisation board, John finds great reward in being part of a team that is not only committed but also deeply insightful about the lives of Disabled people. He takes pride in contributing to WECIL’s efforts to empower and support the Disabled community, learning from his colleagues and sharing these insights to foster a deeper understanding of disability issues.

John’s role at WECIL is a testament to his belief in the power of support, inclusion, and the positive impact of shared experiences and expertise. His work continues to contribute significantly to the lives of Disabled individuals and their families in the West of England and beyond.

Our approach is fully user centred. Our staff have lived experience of Disability and this informs the support we offer.

Quality and Systems Team

Dominic Ellison

Job title: Chief Executive Officer
He/Him

Dominic Ellison leads WECIL as the Chief Executive, driven by a passion for social justice and an acute awareness of the systemic barriers Disabled people encounter. He is dedicated to promoting the right to independent living and ensuring that WECIL lives its values as a Disabled People’s Organisation, valuing the lived experience of Disabled people as pivotal in shaping services and commissioning decisions.
Prior to joining WECIL, Dominic played a significant leadership role within the co-operative movement, championing the belief that organisations should be controlled by those they serve. His experience has taught him that Disabled People’s Organisations are exemplary in translating values into impactful actions and have much to teach the co-operative movement.

Dominic relishes being part of a creative team that delivers innovative solutions to overcome barriers faced by Disabled people. Whether it's developing support services, co-producing platforms for activism, creating inclusive software, or launching social enterprises, the focus is consistently on enhancing rights, choice, control, and full inclusion for Disabled people in society.

With two decades of leadership experience in charities, co-operatives, and social enterprises, Dominic has devoted his career to effecting systemic change, championing sustainability, social justice, and community empowerment. His strategic and entrepreneurial approach has fostered transformative change in social care, housing, and community regeneration.

In addition to his role at WECIL, Dominic is an active member on several boards, contributing his expertise to Integrated Care Partnerships, economic development, health equity, and cultural initiatives. His wide-reaching influence is a testament to his commitment to inclusivity and community-driven progress.

Dominic’s approach to his role is informed by his experience of long-term health conditions including emphysema and Crohn's Disease. These conditions impact his daily life and deepen his commitment to the work of WECIL. His role is more than a job; it's an environment where mutual understanding and support flourish, empowering him to succeed both professionally and personally. Dominic’s leadership is not only strategic but empathetic, making WECIL an organisation that truly understands and advocates for Disabled people's rights.

Maddy Wall

Laura Norman

Job title: Quality and Systems Apprentice

Hello! My name is Laura. I first started at WECIL just over a year ago as a Quality and Systems Kickstarter. After I completed my first 6 months, I was then taken on as an Apprentice. I feel since starting at WECIL, I have had a huge burst in my confidence and I have been able to learn and develop many different skills that help me both in life, and to fulfil my role. When I am not at work I enjoy listening to music, playing video games, watching anime and drawing.

Connor Riley

Job title: Quality and Systems Team Assistant

Hi, I joined WECIL in 2012 as a volunteer whilst I was also going to college. I enjoyed volunteering at WECIL but what an amazing feeling it was to get the apprenticeship back in 2016. I was amazed at how much I was still learning going from role to role.

In my current role as Quality and Systems Team Assistant, I carry out general administrative tasks and reception for both internal and external customers. I deal with the IT side of WECIL too, which I really do enjoy.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing and spending time with my family and friends.

Alan Wyatt

Finance Manager

Scott Pascoe

Finance Officer

Navigators

Whatever your enquiry, our team of Navigators can signpost and give you support to access the right services for you. We understand that knowing where or how to begin accessing support can be confusing, and some language and policies are complicated – that is why our experienced team is here specifically to help you navigate and understand how WECIL or other organisations may be able to help you.

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Our volunteers

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Volunteer for WECIL