Staff team
The staff team coordinates the network, facilitates network meetings and leads research, programme activities, and international advocacy campaigns.
The staff team is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by our Ambassadors.
Meet our staff team:
Emma Bishop, Inclusion and Advocacy Officer
Hi, I am Emma. I have Down syndrome.
I started working with Down Syndrome International in 2023. I am an Inclusion and Advocacy Officer.
I want to help people with learning disabilities and Down syndrome around the world.
I help to make sure our work is inclusive.
Andrew Boys, Executive Director
Andrew has been the Executive Director of Down Syndrome International since our launch in 2009.
Andrew works with our Board of Trustees to build our global membership network.
Andrew’s brother Alex has Down syndrome.
Kate Burhouse, Data and Systems Coordinator
Hi, I’m Kate. I joined the team in 2020.
I am responsible for maintaining and improving our data management systems and processes, ensuring compliance and working with our operational team.
Robin Gibson, Inclusion and Self-Advocacy Lead
Hi, I’m Robin. I joined the team in May 2020.
My role focuses on including people with Down syndrome in our work and helping other organisations do the same.
I have enjoyed working with people with Down syndrome for over 10 years. Before working with Down Syndrome International, I managed supported living services in the UK.
Ruth Jones, Finance Officer
Hi, I’m Ruth.
I joined the team in December 2020.
I work on our day-to-day transaction activities while also trying to help improve our financial efficiency.
Having previously worked in a profit-driven environment, I am enjoying working in a collaborative environment that positively impacts the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.
Tia Nelis, Trainer and Consultant
Hello, I am Tia.
I am working with Down Syndrome International on a secondment through Inclusion International. I am helping Joe and Catherine from The Down’s Syndrome Association to understand Listen Include Respect.
Before this, I worked with Inclusion International on the Listen Include Respect Guidelines.
Nathan Rowe, Programme Director
Hi, I’m Nathan. I’ve been working with Down Syndrome International since January 2017.
As Programme Director I run our programme work, which includes leading on programme strategy and making the organisation more inclusive.
I had a sister with an intellectual disability, Issy, who passed away in 2021. I am passionate about pushing for people like Issy to be included in their communities around the world.
Anna Sands, Communications Team Lead
Hi, I’m Anna. I joined the team in 2018.
I am the person that you will talk to first if you reach out to us. I help people to find the information or support they are looking for.
I also share information about the work we are doing and how you can get involved.
I have a son who has Down syndrome. I want all people with Down syndrome, and their families, to have the support they need to live the lives that they choose.
Russell Watkins, Fundraising Lead
Hi, I’m Russell. I joined the team in 2021.
I am responsible for our development projects and fundraising activities.
Before I joined the team, I volunteered with Down Syndrome International supporting the transition to a new Customer Relationship Management system and after that with our fundraising strategy.
I have a daughter with Down syndrome.