About Us
Autism Bucks was founded in 2018 by a small group of like-minded people passionate about Autism. In 2019 Autism Bucks gained charity status and as such operates within its constitution and in line with the guidelines and regulations set out by the Charity Commission.
Autism Bucks is led by a board of trustees and its work supported by a team of volunteers. Its membership is made up of autistic adults, carers and family members and professionals with an interest in autism.
Trustee Meetings & AGM
The board of trustees meet monthly to monitor and direct the activities of the charity. The members are canvassed on a regular basis so that their needs and views are captured and used in shaping the work of the charity to better support them and the wider community.
All major decisions are made in accordance with our constitution and agreed by vote at the trustee meetings and any changes in constitution are presented and agreed at the AGM by a show of hands by those present. The AGM is held in the summer each year with members attending.
A copy of the reports and accounts presented at the last AGM:
Autism Bucks AGM Presentation 2026: [Read Here]
Autism Bucks Trustee Annual Report 2026: [Read Here]
Autism Bucks Examiners Report 2026 : [Read Here]
Governance and Policies
Autism Bucks is governed by its Constitution and by a range of policies and procedures which help ensure that the Charity is run safely, responsibly and transparently.
Some of our policies and guidelines are published below because they are particularly relevant to our members and the public. We also maintain a number of internal governance and operational policies, which are listed below.
Policies and guidelines you can read online:
Privacy
How we protect your privacy, your data protection rights and information about the use of our website. Read
Data Protection
How Autism Bucks manages, protects and retains personal information entrusted to us. Read
Constitution: Autism Bucks is governed by its Constitution, which sets out the Charity’s purposes and how it is governed. Read
Other Autism Bucks policies
We also maintain the following policies and procedures as part of the Charity’s governance and day-to-day operation. Copies are available on request where appropriate.
– Complaints Policy & Procedures
– Communications Policy & Procedures
– Conflicts of Interest Policy & Procedures
– Environmental Sustainability Policy
– Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy & Procedures
– Expenses Policy & Procedures
– Finance Policy
– Health & Safety Policy
– Risk Management Policy & Procedures
– Serious Incident Reporting Policy & Procedures
– Trustee Roles & Responsibilities Handbook
To request a copy of one of these policies, please contact admin@autism-bucks.charity.
Meet the Trustees
Martin Hollett
Trustee
I became a trustee of Autism Bucks early in 2018 after taking early retirement and have since been involved in governance documentation and procedures, fundraising and grant applications, website administration and communications.
I have been the Treasurer since January 2020 and I am enjoying the challenges of this new role. Prior to joining Autism Bucks I worked in IT, more recently in service governance and business management processes.
I also continue to be involved in a variety of community organisations with an emphasis on event and risk management, and charitable fundraising activities.
Paulette Hunn
BSc (Health & Social Care), MEd (Autism)
Treasurer
I have worked within health and social for over 30 years, in a range of environments such as residential care, supported living, day care and the community. In this time, I have worked with autistic adults for 20 years.
I am passionate about raising awareness of autism and learning from autistic adults about their condition, as I believe you can never be an expert on autism. I’m a fun loving, compassionate person and I enjoy giving my time and energy to help autistic adults.
Paula Strawbridge
Secretary
I am a Registered Learning Disability Nurse and have worked in the Community in Buckinghamshire for over 30 years. Since semi-retirement I have continued to work with the Community Learning Disability Team and as a Clinical Expert for Care and Treatment Reviews for autistic people and people with learning disabilities that are in hospital environments.
I am passionate about supporting people to ensure they are able to access the best and most appropriate support in their communities.
Neil Cary
Chair
I joined the Board of Trustees in July 2021 as the Digital Lead with responsibility for our website and other social media. I’ve spent most of my career in telecommunications, delivering large business transformation programmes in many parts of the world.
In September 2021 I was honoured to be offered the role of Chair. This excellent charity is an example of how a few dedicated people can help change the lives of many, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Madeleine Havard
Trustee
I have benefited greatly from joining Autism Bucks. It gives me social opportunities where everyone is respected despite their differences and never judged.
I’m now delighted to become a Trustee so I can represent our membership and help our charity to grow and expand over the coming years.
Chelsea Felstead
Trustee
I have been involved with Autism Bucks since its very first meeting in a local coffee shop. It’s been inspiring to see how far we have come. From those early conversations to now reaching a much wider audience, the growth of the charity reflects the dedication and passion of everyone involved.
I have always aspired to play a meaningful role within the autism community. I am delighted to become a Trustee for Autism Bucks and I see it a privilege.
As a Trustee, I hope to contribute in a way that strengthens our work, broadens our reach, and champions inclusion and understanding. Autism Bucks stands for something uniquely important, and I am thankful to now be in a position to contribute to shaping its future and making a difference in a meaningful way.
Bethany Chitty
Trustee
I joined Autism Bucks as a trustee in 2025.
I am a Occupational Therapist currently working with adults learning disabilities in the community. My role focuses on enabling people to engage in meaningful activities and promoting independence.
I also have a background in research and education, guest lecturing to Occupational Therapy students.
I am passionate about supporting and advocating for individuals to ensure they have access to the right support and opportunities.
Sam Hinson
Trustee
I joined Autism Bucks as a member and went on to become a Trustee.
Suzanne Ellison
Trustee
Based in Buckinghamshire, Suzanne has over 30 years of experience supporting children, young people, and their families across child care and social care settings.
Having volunteered at Animal Antiks — the wellbeing and therapy farm many of our members will know from our annual alpaca walking visits — she has recently joined them as a full-time member of staff.
Passionate about enabling and empowering people to achieve positive outcomes, we are thrilled to have Suzanne step into this new role with Autism Bucks.