Governance
and Directors
We are a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.
We are overseen by a Board of Directors who are elected by the membership with appropriate skills and experience. Our Articles of Association state that at least 75% of our Board Directors must identify as disabled people. The Board Directors are elected for a 3-year term of office at its AGM each year and are eligible to stand for re-election.
We are managed on a day-to-day basis by our Chief Executive and wider Executive Team with powers delegated to the Chief Executive from the Board of Directors to support the efficient and effective leadership and management of the organisation.
Our Board of Directors retain responsibility for approving strategy, business plans, budgets, policies and procedures, staff pay and any changes to the establishment. The Executive Team work closely with the Board of Directors and its Sub-Committees and report regularly on progress against targets, delivery plans and key performance indicators.
Our Board of Directors and staff between them have a wide range of personal experiences of disability, long-term health conditions and impairments. We work hard to be inclusive and to understand and reflect the interests of everyone living with a disability or health condition. Our staff and Trustees come from a range of communities and backgrounds, including different faiths and minoritised communities.

Tim Phillips Chairperson
- 20 years experience serving on various Boards and Committees
- 16 years experience serving on DRCs Board of Directors-14 years as Chairperson
- Educated to degree level in social work and care
- 22 years professional experience in local government specialising in social work and older people’s services

Brigid Lawlor Director
- 8 years experience serving on DRC’s Board of Directors
- 25 years experience working in the public sector in the field of disability
- 10 years experience working in the Mobility Aids and Adaptations Service at Birmingham City Council
- Holds various voluntary positions within the local community of Birmingham
- Areas of special interest: disability; politics and social policy; public sector; independent living; mobility aids and adaptations services
If you are a member of the Disability Resource Centre and would like to find out more about joining our Board of Directors, please contact:
Louise Mckiernan, Chief Executive and Company Secretary on 03030 40 20 40 or email lmckiernan@disability.co.uk
Alternatively, you can write to Louise at:
Disability Resource Centre
Information, Health and Wellbeing Centre
Unit 18, Ace Business Park
Mackadown Lane
Kitts Green
Birmingham
B33 0LD.
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) operates a membership scheme for individuals and organisations.
Membership is open to individuals aged 16 years or over and any group, or organisation, which is run by a minimum of 80% of individuals with a disability. Our constitution does require that a minimum of 80% of our members class themselves as disabled or have a long term health condition.
Being a full member of DRC gives you the opportunity to become involved in the running of DRC, attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting and stand for election to the Board of Directors, after six months, either through being co-opted or being elected at the Annual General Meeting.
At present DRC does not charge for individual membership, however you can opt to contribute towards the cost of us undertaking our work.
If you are interested in becoming a member you can obtain a pack by emailing drc@disability.co.uk or by calling 03030 40 20 40.
Please send your completed application form to Louise Mckiernan, Chief Executive and Company Secretary by email to lmckiernan@disability.co.uk
Alternatively, you can post your application to Louise at:
Disability Resource Centre
Information, Health and Wellbeing Centre
Unit 18, Ace Business Park
Mackadown Lane
Kitts Green
Birmingham
B33 0LD.

