Change in Board Leadership

Thank you to Steve

Steve Porter, who has served as Chair for the past few months, has stepped down from the role for personal reasons. We would like to thank Steve for his time, energy and commitment to Mirus, and to share his message:

“I can truly say that is has been a real privilege to be the Chair of Trustees for Mirus over the last few months. It’s been lovely to have had the opportunity to see firsthand just how hard you all work and the difference you make for people we support.

When I put my name forward as Chair, I was keen to support Mirus for a long period, working in a sector that I really value. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out as we plan them, and due to personal reasons I have had to make the difficult decision to step down from this role. However, I am pleased to let you know that our Vice-Chair, Deb Bainbridge has been elected to be the Chair for the organisation and will stepping into the role straight away.

I’d like to take the opportunity to wish Mirus every success and to send my best wishes for the future.”

Welcoming Deb

We are delighted to confirm that Deb Bainbridge, who joined the Board of Trustees in 2014 and has been our Vice Chair for the past few years, has now been elected as Chair of the Board. 

Deb brings wide-ranging experience from senior roles in Welsh Water, housing and local government, as well as her voluntary work with Scouts Cymru. She is passionate about making sure the people we support have their voices heard across Mirus.

Deb said: “Since joining Mirus, I’ve been inspired by the commitment of team members and trustees to the people we support. The impact team members have in supporting people to live full lives, enjoy time in their communities, and take part in new experiences is truly motivating.”

She also shared: “My focus as Chair will be to bring the Board together, support the management team, and help Mirus to grow, so that more people have opportunities to live the lives they choose”.

Welcoming Laurence

We are also pleased to announce that Laurence Brown has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. 

Laurence has over 50 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors, including various roles in the Local Authority Trading Standards, and as Executive Director of a non-profit organisation. He brings wide-ranging skills in governance, strategy and leadership, and has experience supporting Boards to shape strategy, and represent members’ interests.

Laurence was previously a Trustee and Vice Chair of the National Deaf Children’s Society. He also brings valuable personal insights as a parent of a daughter with profound deafness and additional needs, who now lives independently with her partner. He is passionate about using his skills and experience to support Mirus and the people we work alongside.

Laurence said: “Having retired, I want to use the skills I’ve gained over the years to make a difference. I was drawn to Mirus because I can identify with some of the challenges faced by the people we support, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience to the role of Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.”

Looking ahead

About Deb Bainbridge

Deb has been part of Mirus since December 2014, serving as Vice-Chair before being elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees in 2025.

She has held senior positions at Welsh Water, in housing, and in local Government, including roles as Head of Customer Service and Head of HR. Alongside her professional career, Deb is the Lead Volunteer for People at Scouts Cymru, where she supports learning, inclusivity and leadership development.

Deb is passionate about Mirus and is inspired by the commitment of team members and trustees to the people we support. She believes strongly in making sure that people we support have their voices heard and play an active role in shaping Mirus.

As Chair, Deb’s focus is on:
•    Supporting the Board to work closely together and make effective decisions
•    Strengthening the relationships between Trustees, the management team, and the people we support
•    Helping Mirus to grow and develop, creating more opportunities for people to live good lives.

Deb brings skills in strategy, governance, people development and stakeholder engagement, and she is committed to working with the Board and management team to guide Mirus through challenges and continuing to build a strong future.

About Laurence Brown

Laurence joined Mirus’ Board of Trustees in March 2025 and was appointed as Vice Chair later that year.

Laurence has over 50 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors, including various roles in the Local Authority Trading Standards, and as Executive Director of a non-profit organisation. He brings wide-ranging skills in governance, strategy and leadership, and has experience supporting Boards to shape strategy, and represent members’ interests at the highest levels, including the UN and EU.

Laurence also served as a Trustee and Vice Chair of the National Deaf Children’s Society, sitting on the Governance and Finance committees.

Laurence and his wife Paula have two children. Their daughter, now in her 40s and living independently with her partner, is profoundly deaf and has additional needs. Throughout her life, Laurence and Paula have been strong advocates for her education, independent living, and access to the right support. This personal experience gives Laurence valuable insight into the challenges faced by many of the people supported by Mirus, and he is passionate about bringing his skills and experience to the Board of Trustees.