Leadership

Susan Daniels has been chief executive of the National Deaf Children's Society since 1992. She joined the organisation after being inspired by her parents' can-do attitude towards her deafness.

After leaving university, Susan embarked on a career in HR and project management. Before joining the National Deaf Children's Society, she served as head of education, employment and training, and subsequently as head of policy and research, at RNID.

Under her leadership, the National Deaf Children’s Society has grown its annual income from £1 million to over £33 million in 2024/25. She also spearheaded the campaign to introduce newborn hearing screening, which was rolled out across the UK almost 20 years ago.

In recognition of her contributions to deaf children and their families, Susan was awarded an OBE in 2006.

Outside of work, Susan is an avid pickleball player, enjoys cycling, travel, art and culture, and spending time with friends and family. She’s also the chair of Groundbreakers, an informal networking group for women leaders in the voluntary sector.

Maria joined the National Deaf Children’s Society in January 2021 as director of services and innovation, before becoming chief operating officer in May 2023.

Maria has worked in charities for most of her career and was inspired to use her skills to help the charity deliver on its ambition. She was previously chief executive officer at Cancer Care North Lancashire and South Cumbria, and Director of Education at Ambitious about Autism.

Maria spent a significant portion of her career at Scope, where she served as director of children and young people’s services, overseeing fostering, early childhood programmes, special schools and post-16 provision.

Outside of work, Maria volunteers at the local pupil referral unit as vice chair of trustees. She’s a runner and is currently training to take part in the Great North Run for the 7th time. Maria also loves abstract painting and walking in the Cumbrian hills of the Lake District.

Jon is passionate about the power of technology to help charities better achieve their mission. After working for more than 20 years in the not-for-profit sector, he has a wealth of experience in digital transformation, programme delivery and service management.

At the start of 2023, Jon was recruited as the National Deaf Children’s Society’s first chief information officer and charged with overseeing the digital transformation that will enable our Every Moment Counts strategy.

Prior to joining the National Deaf Children’s Society, Jon led technology teams in national and international charities including RNIB, WaterAid, Plan International and the Eden Project. Most recently he was the chief information officer and interim chief operating officer for Save the Children UK.

Jon is a trustee of Charity IT Leaders (CITL), the premier IT and digital networking group for the UK not-for-profit sector. 

Outside of work, Jon is married with 2 sons at university and a golden retriever who’s always demanding her next walk.

Jane has been with the National Deaf Children’s Society since 1999, working with our CEO to manage the steady growth and impact of the charity.

Jane also serves as deputy CEO, covering for the CEO when necessary and acting as our representative with organisations such as the Charity Commission. In addition to her daily role, Jane is also our company secretary, ensuring the charity operates legally and ethically.

Jane functions as a bridge between the board of trustees, the charity's governing body and external regulators, handling the administrative and governance duties related to the charity's operation as a company.

Debbie has been chief strategy officer at the National Deaf Children’s Society since May 2023. She leads the development and execution of the charity’s strategic vision, making sure it aligns with organisational goals and stakeholder expectations. She’s focused on driving maximum reach and impact for deaf children through innovative strategies and partnerships, while promoting learning and growth.

Debbie joined the National Deaf Children’s Society in May 2022 as executive director – services. Prior to this, she worked at ACCA for 23 years, most recently as global partnerships director.

Debbie’s son was identified as deaf at only a few weeks old. The National Deaf Children’s Society was an amazing source of information and support, especially in those early days, and it inspired Debbie to use her skills and experience to help other families do the best for their deaf child.

Outside of work Debbie recently took part in the London Marathon for the first time. She’s also a volunteer for her local parkrun in Glasgow.

Mike has led our fundraising programme since 2008, supporting teams to increase our income from £13 million to nearly £35 million today, enabling us to significantly grow our support for deaf children.

Motivated by a strong belief in basic human rights and social justice, Mike spearheaded the individual giving programmes at Oxfam and WaterAid before joining the National Deaf Children’s Society. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the modern Gift Aid scheme and introduced innovative initiatives such as ‘buy a goat’ and ‘give £2 a month’.

When not raising funds to support deaf children, Mike has served as a trustee for HelpAge International, Age International, the Fundraising Standards Board, Childlife and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, where he chaired its Policy Committee.

Outside of work, Mike appreciates the vibrant art and theatre scene in London. He also visits his beloved hometown of Whitby whenever possible and enjoys the occasional pint of real ale with friends.