CEO
Duncan Howard is a mission-driven leader with extensive experience across the charity, housing, and commercial sectors. He brings a strong track record of improving lives and life chances through clear strategy, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. Known for his ability to lead organisations through complexity and change, Duncan combines purpose, pragmatism, and innovation to deliver meaningful and lasting impact.
Duncan has held senior executive and board-level roles for over two decades, including Chief Executive of a national sports and wellbeing company and Regional Director within a large housing association. His experience spans governance, service transformation, financial stewardship, partnership building, and regulatory environments. He has led large-scale improvement programmes, secured significant public and charitable funding, and built high-performing, values-led teams focused on the people they serve.
Alongside his executive career, Duncan has chaired two boards in Social Housing and membership-based organisations, strengthening governance, supporting leadership transitions, and setting long-term strategic direction. He is deeply committed to social justice, inclusion, and environmental sustainability, and brings these principles to his leadership of ECT Charity as Chief Executive.
Outside of work, Duncan is a keen rock climber, runner, and cyclist, and remains a strong advocate for widening access to opportunity for the most marginalised and environmental sustainability.
Operations Assistant, Dorset
Amy joined ECT Charity in April 2025 as an Operations Assistant in Dorset.
Prior to this role, Amy worked in the agricultural sector, initially providing administrative support to the accounts team at an agricultural franchise. She later progressed into a supervisory role, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the agricultural and construction workshop within the same organisation.
Driver Assessor Trainer
Richard joined ECT Charity in 2024 as a Community Transport Driver and was soon promoted to Driver Assessor Trainer in Ealing. Prior to joining, he spent nine years as a Driving Examiner for cars, bringing with him a sharp eye for detail and a strong commitment to road safety.
At ECT Charity, Richard delivers MiDAS training and inductions to staff and volunteer drivers from local charities, schools and community groups. In early 2025, he played a key role in establishing the ECT Charity’s Ealing depot as a nationally-recognised MiDAS Driver Assessor Training Centre.
Richard is currently training to become a qualified DVSA Driving Instructor.
Operations Assistant, Dorset
Hayden joined ECT Charity in 2024 as an Operations Assistant, providing support with the administrative processes of the operation.
He started his career as a qualified accountant at Ernst & Young, after which he worked as Internal Auditor and later Management Accountant at Wincanton Transport. Hayden then worked as Group Financial Controller and Regional Finance Director at McCarthy and Stone for 16 years. Since then he set up the Finance function from scratch at Kite Clothing Ltd and has worked at Vale Coaches, who cover several of the local school runs.
Operations Assistant, Dorset
Tracey joined ECT Charity in 2024 as an Operations Assistant in Dorset. She works in the Operations team, focusing on Group Transport bookings and enquiries.
Previously Tracey was as Administrator and Project Coordinator for a local IT company. Her main role was planning the installation and setup of new hardware for clients.
Prior to this Tracey ran pubs for 20 years all over the south of England.
Fleet Operations Administrator, Ealing
Les has dedicated his career to the transport industry, amassing extensive experience since 1987. He has spent a significant part of his career managing Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) fleets, showcasing his expertise in both administrative and managerial roles.
For nearly 30 years, Les served at Royal Mail, developing his skills in logistics and fleet management. His career also includes tenures with companies such as Veolia and Tarmac. At Veolia, Les advanced to Depot Manager and earned qualifications to oversee operations in the waste industry, specifically managing a Waste Transfer Station in Watford.
Operations Assistant, Dorset
Roberta joined ECT Charity in 2024 as an Operations Assistant in Dorset. She works in the Operations team, supporting the managment with various HR and administrative tasks and processes.
Previously, Roberta worked as an International Admissions Consultant for a language school, and as an Office Administrator and Marketing Assistant for a start-up technology company.
Operations Assistant, Dorset
Charlotte joined ECT Charity in 2024 as Operations Assistant for our operation in Dorset.
Previously, Charlotte worked as a Quote & WIP Coordinator for a manufacturing company. Amongst other things, she was involved with KPI reporting, sales analysis and liaising with purchasing & operations to ensure the jobs were delivered on time and within budget. Prior to this, the majority of her career had been in and around the construction industry dealing with the day-to-day running of builders yards and organising transport for trade and the general public.
Born and raised in Italy, near Milan, Alberto studied physics and pursued an academic career after relocating to Denmark and Germany. Seeking a change, he then shifted his focus to biology and spent some time in the US before settling in Ealing. Always eager to explore new avenues, he eventually transitioned away from academia and developed an interest in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in a business setting. In the last few years he has kept himself busy with technical problems, building intelligent software in various industries, such as Financial Services, Healthcare and Manufacturing. Recently, he founded YARVIS Technologies, a software consulting firm focussed on all things AI.
In his role as ECT Charity trustee, he brings curiosity and technical knowledge to support the charity in its growth and evolution, always looking to serve the local community and help strengthen its social fabric. In his view, fostering affordable transportation for those in need is a prerequisite for a fair and prosperous society with strong values. He believes that by embracing emerging technologies and engaging with local residents, we can continue developing transportation solutions that not only meet current needs but also anticipate new challenges.
Neil is a senior analytics professional with over ten years' experience in the energy sector. His experience comprises various roles at leading trading houses and has recently included a role as Head of Analytics at a multinational energy trading organisation, where he has led a diverse, high-performing global team delivering actionable intelligence in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. During his tenure at BB Energy, Neil has developed the analysis department into a profit-centre and valued intelligence hub that drives business success and strategic value.
Neil has deep expertise in the field of analytics and has published several papers at industry events such as Platts and Argus, and has been cited by various media such as Bloomberg regarding his market views. He gained a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College and holds certifications in areas of project management, data engineering and machine learning.
Neil believes that community transport can achieve a profound social good through provision of accessible transport to those suffering from disabilities, the elderly as well as people from socially deprived backgrounds. He brings his strong background in analytics and experience in strategic decision making to advancing ECT Charity’s mission.
Originally from Northern Ireland, and resident in Ealing since the 1990s, Clare studied History & Politics before starting a career in Marketing with Kodak Limited. Moving from there into the Leisure and Transportation sectors, she spent 20 years in International Sales and Marketing with both Avis and Hertz, including time spent working in the US and China.
More recently, Clare worked in the Rail sector as a Commercial Director and is now a Transport Consultant advising on a variety of projects including Customer Relationship Management, Digital Innovation and Government Policy, with specific interest in accessibility and improving the customer experience.
Clare has volunteered at a variety of organisations throughout her career, including supporting refugees as a mentor and providing local support for a refugee charity in the UK. Clare became a Trustee of ECT Charity in 2024.
Operations Manager, Ealing
Gaelle joined ECT Charity as Operations Manager in Ealing in 2023 and works closely with the Operations Team to ensure that all our operations are carried out in a safe, professional, and timely manner. She works closely with the Operations Team, as well as Senior Management, to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of our passenger services.
With a diverse background spanning various industries, Gaelle brings a wealth of experience to her role at ECT Charity. Specialising in marketing and retail operational management, she is skilled at driving customer service excellence and optimising processes. Gaelle's skills in strategic planning, team leadership and problem-solving have underscored her ability in delivering exceptional results.
Natasha has been passionate about the environment since studying Biology and Geography at university; this coupled with a desire to make a difference and support local communities, led to a career in waste and recycling in Local Government working across various London authorities. Leading the industry at a local and national level as chair of numerous professional waste networks, Natasha encourages collaboration and best practice in London and influences central government policy changes. A brief change to the private sector in Serco during the pandemic helped Natasha understand the challenges of frontline workforces and ensuring vehicle operating compliance.
Natasha completed her Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence and became O licence holder which sparked a hidden interest in transport, leading to her getting involved with ECT Charity.
In her spare time Natasha volunteers for the Brentford Festival organising committee for nearly 20 years and helps raise money for her children’s school Parent Teacher Association. She has caring experience of several family members with additional needs and is always willing to go the extra mile to support people when it is needed.
A life-long local resident of Ealing, Stephen left school at the earliest opportunity and was variously a seaman, bus conductor and hospital porter until, after evening classes at the City Literary Institute, his trade union sponsored him to attend the London School of Economics. Completing his Diploma in Trade Union Studies, Stephen then gained a BSc(Econ) in 1981. He was sabbatical President of the Student Union in 1980.
After graduation, he worked as a homeless persons officer with Camden Council and then a Housing Officer with Hammersmith and Fulham. Stephen became an Area Housing Manager with Paddington Churches Housing Association until May 1997.
Having been elected to Ealing Council in 1982, he served continuously until 1998 (Mayor of Ealing 1995-96) and was elected to Parliament as the MP for Ealing North in 1997.
After 22 years in Parliament, Stephen retired in 2019, having served for 20 years as either a member of the Northern Ireland Select Committee or Shadow Minister of State for Northern Ireland. Having worked with ECT Charity throughout his political career and seeing at first hand the huge benefits that the organisation brings to both individuals and the community, he was honoured to be elected as Patron in 2021.
General Manager, Ealing
After 19 years of working in retail management, Kez joined ECT Charity's Senior Management Team in 2023 as General Manager of our Ealing operation. In his previous role in multi-site management, he oversaw multiple complex sites and ensured operational efficiencies were met whilst focussing on evolving customer needs. His leadership style emphasises talent recognition, motivation, and fostering collaboration, creating a culture of continuous growth.
One of Kez's proudest achievements has been serving as a business leader for people development, guiding high-potential individuals to achieve their career aspirations and personal goals. He firmly believes in the power of diversity and inclusivity, viewing them as essential elements that drive innovation and sustainable success within teams.
Head of Communications
Frank is ECT Charity’s Head of Communications, supporting us to tell our story to the widest possible range of stakeholders and develop our communications capabilities. Frank is an experienced marketing and communications professional, holding senior roles in the third sector/social enterprise sector over the past 20 years. He joined ECT Charity in January 2023, prior to which he led the communications function at community transport operator and social enterprise HCT Group for 13 years.
Frank holds an MBA with distinction from Warwick Business School and postgraduate diplomas in both marketing and public relations.
Operations Controller, Ealing
Sharon joined ECT Charity in 2015 as our Operations Controller in Ealing. She currently deals with our bookings on PlusBus for Health and PlusBus and speaks to our passengers and drivers on a daily basis.
Finance Officer
Shirley Young joined ECT Charity's head office in 2007. She was initially hired for a few days to input details onto a new payroll system, but was then asked to work for the accounts team responsible for the whole ECT network. Since 2009 she has been responsible for purchase ledger and credit control across the organisation.
Prior to ECT Charity, Shirley worked for HSBC for 30 years.
Operations Manager, Dorset
Kari joined ECT Charity in 2017 as an Operations Assistant in Dorset, and later the following year was promoted to Operations Controller. In 2024, she became the Operations Manager for our Dorset operation.
Throughout her time at ECT Charity, she has broadened her understanding of the operation by getting involved with vehicle maintenance, day-to-day staffing cover and vehicle allocation. Kari has successfully completed MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) as well as courses in Safeguarding and First Aid.
Prior to working with ECT Charity, Kari acted as a property manger for 15 years with a local independent letting agent. This role developed her extensive knowledge of the Dorset area as well as excellent customer service and organisation skills. Before that, she worked within the import and export industry for a freight forwarding company.
Assistant Manager, Dorset
Mike Clubb joined ECT Charity in 2022 as Operations Administrator for our operation in Dorset, and was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2024. In 2025, he also qualified as a Driver Assessor Trainer, further strengthening our team’s operational expertise.
Mike previously worked at Barclays Group as a Risk and Control Analyst on the international stage for nine years. His main role was producing in-depth reports for Senior Executives across Corporate and Investment Bank divisions.
Prior to this Mike was in the British Army (Royal Corp of Signals) for 24 years serving in many Operational Theatres predominately Iraq, Kosovo and most recently three Operational tours of Afghanistan with the Parachute Regiment.
Head of Finance
Suzanne qualified as a Chartered Accountant in practice where she gained an excellent understanding of good governance.
Suzanne was Finance and IT Director of Silverlink Train Services between 1995 and 2000, she worked through restructuring following privatisaion and the challenge of becoming more responsive the needs of customers. Suzanne was also responsible for delivery of the Millennium readiness IT program.
Suzanne has worked in practice since then supporting a variety of organisations both in the Private Sector and the Third Sector. Suzanne has remained committed to providing high quality information to decision makers to enable them to make decisions in support of the organisation objectives.
Suzanne has lived in Ealing for 30 years and is looking forward to working with a charity centred in her community.
Sapan is a Managing Director at Accenture and has significant experience of building teams and adding value to businesses - leveraging data & analytics.
Sapan was born in Delhi, India and moved to the UK in 2000. He has always been passionate about 'giving back' to the society and has been involved in various volunteering initiatives throughout his time at university and his professional career to date.
He now hopes to utilise his experiences to live the ECT values and bring a strategic perspective to the ECT family.
Sapan lives in London with his lovely wife, two kids and a dog.
Lawrence began his career as a graduate trainee with FirstGroup, holding increasingly senior roles in operational management in Bristol, Glasgow and London.
He then joined National Express as a regional manager in the West Midlands. Further to this Lawrence spent eight years in the community transport sector, serving as Regional Director for the London division at HCT Group. He also served as Vice Chair of the Board of the Community Transport Association for several years.
Lawrence is currently Deputy Operations Director at Abellio London. He became a Co-Chair of ECT in Sept 2025 along with Robert Holland.
Robert is a Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) with a range of experiences as a finance professional across New Zealand, Ireland, and England.
Robert has worked at British Airways in their Financial Planning and Analysis team since 2019. He currently leads a sub-stream within that team specifically focused on the liquidity & working capital of British Airways.
Prior to joining the team at British Airways, he worked at EY in their Assurance division in New Zealand. His main responsibility was to plan and manage the delivery of assurance engagements of clients in various sectors. His time also included a secondment to their Dublin, Ireland office in their banking & capital markets assurance division.
He has volunteered for many different organisations throughout his time at university and his professional career to date. He now hopes to utilise those professional and voluntary experiences to support ECT Charity as one of their Trustees. Robert became a Co-Chair of ECT in Sept 2025 along with Lawrence Wilson.
General Manager, Dorset
Tim joined ECT Charity’s Senior Management Team in 2011 and is responsible for all operations in Dorset. Tim also delivered the accessible shuttles for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Accessible Shuttles service in Weymouth. He holds a Certificate of Professional Competence in National Passenger Transport Operations, as well as an IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) Certificate in Managing Safely.
Outside of the community transport sector, Tim has 15 years’ experience in Operations Management, predominantly in the Middle East where he managed specialist contract services to the hotel industry, as well as interior fit-out services to the retail industry. Tim has a BA (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle, and has spent many years as a Leader with the Scout Association.
Head of Governance and Strategy
Caroline joined ECT Charity on secondment as an On Purpose Associate in 2013, and later returned in 2014 as General Manager, Charity Services. Now as Head of Governance and Strategy, Caroline collaborates closely with the CEO and Senior Management on various strategic and development projects, as well as leading on the charity's governance matters. She has also worked extensively on measuring and communicating ECT Charity’s social impact.
Caroline began her career as a lawyer at an international corporate law firm in London, where she worked on Commercial Real Estate and Corporate & Commercial matters. During her five years at the firm, she was also involved in a wide variety of pro bono work and volunteering projects. Caroline then transitioned to the social sector and was accepted onto the social enterprise leadership program, On Purpose. In addition to her placement with ECT Charity, Caroline worked at Ben & Jerry’s on the strategy and execution of their Social Mission across Europe.
Caroline holds an MA from the University of Oxford in Biological Sciences, as well as a GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) and LPC (Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice).
Operations Manager, Ealing HR
Inderjit joined ECT Charity in 1993 as an administrator working on the Ealing PlusBus service, and was promoted to the Management Team in 2007 as Operations Manager for ECT Charity’s Ealing operation. As the charity has grown in the last 25 years, Inderjit has supported the delivery of our community transport services from front-end customer service through to back-office support. She is currently responsible for overseeing recruitment and HR for all Drivers and Passenger Assistants.
Transport and Standards Manager
Diane has over 35 years’ experience in passenger transport. She started at ECT Charity in 2003 as Fleet Manager, and later joined ECT Charity’s Management Team in 2015 as Head of Quality and Standards. In 2022, she became Transport and Standards Manager and is responsible for vehicle fleet compliance, vehicle purchasing, and maintaining quality standards.
Before ECT Charity, Diane served as a non-commissioned officer with Royal Air Force for 16 years, acting as Transport Manager, Supervisor and Controller at RAF Uxbridge and RAF Northolt as a civilian employee.
Diane is a BSI Internal Auditor and holds Certificates of Professional Competence in National and International Passenger Transport Operations, and in Road Haulage Transport Operations. She also holds an IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) Certificate in Managing Safely.
