We recently welcomed three new trustees to the Aspens' board: Joanna Ford, Simon Riddiford and Harriet Smith.

To help get to know our new trustees a little better, we've been sharing Q & A interviews with each of them. 

This week we feature Joanna Ford, a qualified solicitor and head of the Commercial Dispute Resolution team at Cripps. 

1. What inspired you to become a trustee for Aspens?

I have known Aspens for a number of years, having worked with and supported them through my role as a solicitor at Cripps.  Having recently completed my tenure as a trustee of Hospice in the Weald, I was thinking about another trustee role and Aspens had one available. I am passionate about social inclusion and diversity, and pleased to support the work that Aspens is doing to empower people with autism and learning disabilities.

2. What do you do in your career and tell us about your professional background?

I am head of the Commercial Dispute Resolution team at Cripps and have spent the last 20+ years helping businesses resolve disputes. I also specialise in advising businesses in financial distress, and have worked with a number of charities in this position, helping achieve the best possible outcome for their beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

3. What do you think is the most important skill that you bring as a trustee for Aspens?

The ability to be able to quickly identify key issues, assess risk and solve problems.

4. Why is Aspens’ work and our vision for an inclusive society where people on the autism spectrum and those with learning disabilities can thrive as part of their local community so important to you? 

I firmly believe that diversity should be celebrated and valued within our society, with everyone having equal opportunities to participate and contribute.  Autism is still poorly understood by many, and Aspens' work to raise awareness is vitally important to help ensure that society is truly inclusive for all.

5. What are you looking forward to about being a trustee for Aspens?

Working with other trustees and the senior leadership team to develop Aspens’ work, and meeting those that benefit from Aspens’ care and support.

6. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Running, yoga, gardening, knitting, spending time with my children and going on adventures with our rescue border collie Tilly.

7. What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

I am a 2^nd dan black belt in aikido.

8. What is your favourite food?

South-east Asian.

9. If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to fly so I can gain a different perspective on the world below (and perform aerial acrobatics!)