Siv Vangen is Professor of Collaborative Leadership  in the Department of Public Leadership and Social Enterprise at The Open University Business School (OUBS). Her long-standing research explores governance, leadership and management of inter-organisational collaboration and she is co-author of the theory of collaborative advantage.  Siv is founding director, and chair, of the OUBS Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership.

Mark Ormerod is a highly respected leader in the sport, health, and community development sectors, with a career dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving positive change. Since 1995, Mark worked nationally and regionally for Sport England in a number of senior roles. Since 2012, he has served as CEO of Leap, where he has championed initiatives to increase physical activity and improve wellbeing across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.

After several years touring as a rock musician in the 60s and 70s, John Best trained as an Engineer, Sociologist and Town Planner and holds an MBA, working and raising his family for 25 years in East London.  In 1996 he moved to the new unitary Milton Keynes Council, latterly as Chief Executive 2002-2008.

Since then he has been active in the charity sector, committed to making MK, where he lives, an even more successful place.  From 2012 to 2018 he was a regional chair at the newly created Canal & River Trust, set up to manage the national canal network; since 2010 he has been a Trustee of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, setting up community trip boats at either end of the proposed BMK Waterway Park route, as well as progressing the route itself;  since 2010 he has chaired Arts GatewayMK, a longstanding creative agency in MK, running Arts Central Studios and MK Literary Festival.

He has long supported MK Community Trust, as a subscriber, fund-holder and occasional beneficiary, and welcomes the sustained support they give to MK`s charity and community sector.

Robert has lived in Buckinghamshire all his life and moved to Milton Keynes in 1987. He is a Vice President of the Milton Keynes Community Foundation and former Chairman of the Buckinghamshire CLA (Country Land and Business Association). He is a member of the Thames Valley Rural Crime Partnership, Chairs the TVP North East Rural Community Forum and is a Member of the Milton Keynes IAG (Independent Advisory Group).

Hannah Ellams is the Director for Arts & Heritage Alliance Milton Keynes since January 2024, but has now worked in the Arts, Heritage and Culture sector for over 30 years.

She loves bringing the Cultural sector, schools and our wonderful communities together to collaborate. The best moment in any week is when she is being inspired seeing some the outstanding creativity which is currently being delivered across Milton Keynes.

Kurshida has over 20 years’ experience of working for local and central government with strong track record in social action.  She has a passion for working with communities and has developed a unique vehicle in Milton Keynes for engaging with diverse communities in particular Muslims and faith-based communities who are seldom heard and less visible.

Kurshida is the founder of Trubys Garden, an interfaith charity promoting positive dialogue between Muslims and the wider community; Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees for Milton Keynes Community Foundation from 2020-2023; Chair of Citizens MK from 2016-2019; and Chair of Midlands Region of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN) between 2016-2020.

Kurshida was the first Muslim Woman of Asian Heritage to take office of the High Sheriff in Buckinghamshire. Kurshida’s year was firmly rooted in her core Islamic values of Peace, Justice and Love for Humanity and her belief that ‘we have far more in common than that which divides us’. 

Dan Sherwood leads Marketing at Santander UK, having joined the bank in 2006 from global management consultancy Accenture. He directs the bank’s overall brand & marketing strategy and has overseen significant milestones in the establishment of the bank in the UK market, since rebranding to Santander in 2010.

Dan sits on the Executive Committee of UK advertising body ISBA, is a member of the national advisory group for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital and is a co-founder of 1IRON Indoor Golf.

Gillian is Chief Executive of the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioners Office. She has a wealth of experience in the charity sector having been chair of a board of trustees historically for the Disability Resource Centre in Bedfordshire. She is a non-executive director of the aMazing Therapy Centre a CIC in High Wycombe, which provides affordable counselling services to communities in need. Gillian is passionate about ensuring communities have access to the support they need to live an inclusive life to the full and as such is keen to support the charity sector to provide relevant services to their communities.

Women in Enterprise is one of Milton Keynes’ longest-established not-for-profit networking organisations, with over four decades dedicated to nurturing, inspiring and challenging local working individuals. As Chair, I am committed to creating an environment built on trust, collaboration and celebration, where shared experience, honest conversation and mutual support enable people and businesses to grow.  As a proud volunteer myself I look forward to these awards championing charities in our community, raising awareness and encouraging collaboration and impact - values that sit at the heart of both Women in Enterprise and the Milton Keynes charity sector.  Alongside this I bring over 28 years’ experience in recruitment alongside my work as a careers coach, supporting individuals and organisations to realise their potential.

Lorraine is an accounting professional with over 20 years’ experience supporting charities and community organisations across Milton Keynes. She loves championing local groups, supporting them with their finances as they grow with confidence, and brings an upbeat, encouraging, people-first approach to judging, always with a smile.  

Jane Lambert is the CEO and Founder of ECG Healthcare and Makewell Clinic, bringing over 30 years of experience across hospital and community healthcare settings. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to improving access to high-quality healthcare and education for professionals and patients alike. Jane is particularly passionate about creating inclusive, neuro-affirming healthcare environments and expanding access to assessments and support for neurodivergent people and their families. As a judge, she brings compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of community impact and innovation in health and wellbeing.

Sofeena has over twenty years’ experience in philanthropy and social impact, including work with the United Nations and senior leadership roles in international organisations such as the British Red Cross. She brings extensive board-level expertise, currently serving on the Aga Khan Education Board and has worked closely with boards across the charitable & social impact sectors. She currently serves on one of the committees of the Milton Keynes Community Foundation and has a strong track record of leading high performing teams.

Mandy Legg is a hugely respected TEDx & mental health impact speaker, author and Women Leaders UK Award Finalist who shares her inspirational story of rebuilding her life and career after mental illness. After the harrowing experience of spending time in a psychiatric ward in her thirties, Mandy made the courageous decision to uncover her resilience and redefine her story.

After leaving hospital, Mandy’s career blossomed, and she went on to hold leadership positions in the arts and children’s services. She has also served as Mayoress of her city and was described as ‘the most prolific consort in her city’s mayoral history’. Her work as an artist has been showcased on ITV, and BBC2, and she is known for her powerful public speaking and her work breaking down mental health stigma, inspiring communities far and wide. Having found a way back from her own challenges, Mandy is now inspiring audiences across the UK to do the same.

Ruby Parmar is an experienced business advisor having worked in professional services for over 20 years including as a partner at PwC from where she retired in 2019. She now holds various roles including, Chair of the Board of MK College Group, Chair of TOTM, Trustee of Magic Bus, Women Leaders UK and MK ACT and she is a non-Executive Director of All Sports Whispers Ltd (Twenty3).  

Ruby mentors individuals and supports Diversity & Inclusion, and in her free time enjoys walking her dog, keeping fit, and growing veg.