Meet our lovely judges
Each judge has been chosen for their understanding of what caring for a child with additional needs is really like. Whether they work in the field, are parents or bloggers themselves, they are perfectly placed to recognise the talents of our nominees.
Victoria Brown | Deputy Director at Choice Support
Victoria has worked in health and social care sector since 2003, starting as a support worker, team leader, transformation co-ordinator, deputy/service development manager and senior operations manager.
In 2018 Victoria took up the role of Deputy Director at Choice Support where she continues to support people with disabilities to take more control of their lives.
Victoria is currently studying a senior leaders master’s degree apprenticeship through Choice Support.
Victoria sits on a health collaboration group along with other organisations, as well as facilitating internally the health in action group and family partnership group. Victoria has a passion to improve health inequalities for those with a learning disability.
Victoria loves spending time with her family and trying new adventures; she also enjoys the theatre and music concerts.
Angela Kelly | Parent, Counsellor and SEN trainer and Family support
I am a parent and step parent of five children, Grandparent to three. Three of whom are autistic with additional disabilities including profound deafness. Being a parent and grandparent of (now) adult children and (grand)children with SEN has taught me many things, with the most poignant one being ‘choose kindness,never judge’, as we never know what battles someone else is facing.
In my professional capacity I am a counsellor in private practice and also for Neurodivergent Education Support and Training (NEST) and I see children and adults in one to one settings. I write for the popular parent carer website Special Needs Jungle and I deliver training in my Private practice in supporting and affirming Neurodivergent and autisitc individuals. I am also a founder of the Association of Neurodivergent therapists.
Carly Jones MBE
Carly is a British Autism Advocate, Actress and Presenter who has worked for the inclusion of Autistic women and girls since 2008.
She proudly holds a public appointment of a member of the UK Honours Committee and is an independent panel member for the Ministry of Justice. Her aim is to create social mobility and elevate the most diverse talents in the UK to ensure no one is overlooked.
Carly co authors with National Autism Charities on Government Safeguarding on Online Safety, Prevent Terrorism and Child Sexual Exploitation guidance as well as Female specific briefings for The Autism Acts strategy 10 year Anniversary as well as having several written submissions, policies and testimonials to UK Parliament, the United Nation Human rights office and Washington DC accepted and published.
Carly was made an MBE in the 2017 New Years Honours list for services to those with Autism
James Hunt | BAPS Awards Ambassador
James Hunt is dad to two amazing boys, Tommy and Jude. Both are autistic, and currently non-verbal. On his social media accounts, he shares stories of their everyday lives, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Jane Bailey | Deputy Director at Choices Support
Jane has worked in health and social care sector since 1991, starting as an Activity Coordinator in day services, building a career, initially through mcch, now Choice Support. Jane has held a variety of roles, including Senior Activity Coordinator, Head of Operations, Director, and Deputy Director. Managing day services, social enterprises, accommodation based services, outreach and respite. Working with people with Learning disabilities, Profound and complex needs, autism and mental health.
In 2018 Jane took up the role of Deputy Director at Choice Support where she continues to support people with disabilities to take more control of their lives.
Jane has recently completed Compassionate communication training and a Tuff leadership course to help facilitate purposeful change within the organisation.
Jane currently supports Senior Managers and Operational Teams in the transformation to purposeful team working. She has led on a number of projects and groups to help facilitate change and improve the quality of support offered to individuals.
Jane is passionate about challenging inequalities for the people we support and staff and is currently leading on a discrimination at work project for Choice Support.
Jane loves spending time with her adult children and grandchildren. She also enjoys reading, watching tv and spending time at her beach hut and long country walks with her puppy.
Phil Brayshaw | Deputy Head of Children and Young People at NHS England and NHS Improvement
Phil is a nurse for people with learning disabilities. He currently works for NHS England and NHS Improvement on the National Learning Disability and Autism Programme, where his role is to help local areas commission and provide better support and services for autistic children and young people and children and young people with learning disabilities.
Before this, Phil worked as a children’s community learning disability nurse and as a local children’s commissioner.
‘I feel privileged to have been asked to judge the BAPS and I am really looking forward to reading the entries.’
Steph Curtis | SEND Blogger
Steph Curtis started blogging over seven years ago, after her youngest daughter Sasha was given a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (also called ASD or Autism).
Her blog is called Steph’s Two Girls so that her older daughter is remembered too, and not just thought of as ‘the sibling’. Although ASD was the original diagnosis for Sasha, it’s believed that she actually has a specific type of autism known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Steph is keen to raise awareness of this condition and runs courses for parents to help with strategies for everyday life.