Small Charity Week 2024: Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK
Laura Dowswell, Chair of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK (BBS UK), joins us to share the story of BBS UK for Small Charity Week 2024.
Small Charity Week amplifies, supports and connects small charities across the UK. We’re proud to partner with small charities to find leaders who are inspiring, authentic and forward-thinking.
Laura Dowswell is the Chair of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK (BBS UK), leading the Board of Trustees to ensure that the charity remains legally compliant, governance-focused, financially sound and sustainable, as well as overseeing the development of their three-year strategy:
“My daughter was diagnosed with the very rare, genetic syndrome aged 13 and it was a very difficult time for our family. We all received lots of support from BBS UK and I wanted to give something back. I saw an advert for Trustees of the Board and thought I could utilise my work skills. I was a trustee for a few years, had a brief spell as Treasurer then became Chair.
I always enjoy representing the charity whether as a fundraiser or a reception or event and helping to raise awareness of both the syndrome and the charity.”
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK was originally established in 1993 and is the only registered charity supporting people with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, their families, and carers in the UK. It is a user-led organisation, represented by adults with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) and parents of children with BBS.
Supporting over 640 people diagnosed with BBS, along with parents, carers, siblings and professionals involved in all aspects of care and support, their aims are
Category:Health & Social Care
Written by
Marie McQuade
Director | Charities
She recruits specialist trustees from all backgrounds and specialises in recruiting boards that exceed. Every client she has ever worked with has recommended Marie to others, recruited more candidates than anticipated from her, and come back to work with her again.
She has three decades of experience as a leader working across health, housing and social justice in the UK and globally.
After volunteering as a graduate for an INGO in India, she embarked upon a career in the charity sector and grew her passion for creating positive change. Marie brings this passion to Peridot, where she prioritises recruiting exceptional leadership because she believes good governance transforms organisations and the lives of their beneficiaries.
Marie also runs board audits, inductions and training and works with organisations from across the UK and Europe. She has a post-graduate qualification in Organisational Development.
She has been a board and committee member, a mentor for a care-experienced young person, a street worker for homeless people and a counsellor for women and girls.
Outside of her professional life, Marie is completing a Creative PhD at Queens University, practising Zen, and parenting three teenage girls (and a cocker spaniel!). She enjoys spending time outdoors, walking, running, and swimming, as well as travelling, reading, watching films, visiting art galleries, and eating fine food.
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