Two people in wheelchairs on a cliff overlooking a coastal view
Two people in wheelchairs on a cliff overlooking a coastal view

Our Board

Chair and Trustees


Richard Crompton, QPM (Chair)
Read Richard’s One Page Profile

Richard is committed to high quality public services, having had many years’ experience of police leadership at the highest level, including as Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police.

Non-Executive leadership roles include Chair of the Plymouth Hospitals Trust and Chair of Safeguarding Adults Boards in Somerset and Wiltshire.

He is currently Board Member of Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and a Trustee of Lifeworks Devon.

Richard is the father of an adult daughter with Downs Syndrome.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in the 2011 New Year’s Honours List

Rachel Ferris
Read Rachel’s One Page Profile

Rachel joined the Discovery Board in January 2022.  During her 38 year career she worked in the NHS and the pharmaceutical industry with roles in commissioning, hospital management and market access for new medicines.

She held a number of leadership roles in the health sector including working on implementing the National Burn Care Review and setting up a range of different networks for specialised health services.

She is Mum to a young autistic woman and is committed to helping people with autism and a learning disability get the best from life.

Chris Carson
Read Chris’ One Page Profile

Michelle Caine
Read Michelle’s One Page Profile

Nick Heckscher
Read Nick’s One Page Profile

A register of interests is available via email from the company secretary: Jo Greenbank


Our Executive Team


Helen Orford – Managing Director
Read Helen’s One Page Profile

Samantha Smith – HR Director
Read Samantha’s One Page Profile

Alex Seddon – Head of Supported Employment & Community Enterprise
Read Alex’s One Page Profile

Trina Bright Head of Coaching and Practice Support
Read Trina’s One Page Profile