Meet our Board

Our Board

Mike Cass (Treasurer)

Mike moved to Milton Keynes with his young family in 1992. He is a qualified accountant with in-depth experience of financial control, performance management, project evaluation and change management, all at a senior level. Mike has worked in various sectors, including energy, drinks, and hospitality. Now mainly retired from full time work, Mike is keen to give back to Milton Keynes in his first not-for-profit role and use his skills to help MKHW go from strength to strength. Mike has been a pension fund trustee for the past 8 years.

Paul Day (Deputy Chair)

Paul’s family moved from London to Netherfield in 1976 when he was at primary school and he has since lived in various parts of MK where he has studied, worked, brought up a family and been actively involved in the community. After many years in a major bank’s head office, he began working full time in the not-for-profit sector and for the last 15 years has been a senior leader in national trade union and charity organisations, including five years as COO of the Business Disability Forum. Paul has served on four local councils within the borough, including as an MKC Cabinet member.  Paul is currently Director of the pharmacists' trade union, the PDA, and Mayor of Newport Pagnell.    

Mirza Lalani

Mirza is an Assistant Professor in health services research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where he gained his PhD Public Health. He previously held a research post at University College London. Mirza has a background in mixed methods research, with several years of experience in evaluation and research of NHS and social care services. His research interests are centered on the role of transformational change in health systems and services to stimulate service improvement and patient outcomes. Currently a Governor at Loughton Manor First School, Mirza has a keen interest in supporting the development of local public services through community and voluntary work. 

Steve Lazell

Steve lives in Milton Keynes and is the Local Link Partner for Oxford Academic Health Science Network. He is a member of his GP Patient Participation Group and in the nineties was a volunteer on the Milton Keynes Gay & Lesbian Switchboard. He has extensive experience in type 1 diabetes management including use of digital devices, clinical research into Artificial Intelligence use and gives presentations to new insulin pump users and healthcare professionals. He has also been a dementia carer. Steve’s career has been in public and commercial broadcasting for 28 years, latterly as a freelance TV director. He is a Neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinator, committee member and an Open University graduate.

Colin Levett

Colin moved from Essex to Milton Keynes in 1993. He qualified as a fellow of the RISC and as a Member of the CIArb. He has lived in a number of parts of MK, whilst working as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor in various parts of London and the South East. Now retired, he keeps active working for The Buckingham Canal Society, initially as a trustee and more recently as a director of its not-for-profit construction division. He also works at MK Museum as part of its maintenance team. He is the chairman of his local PPG, with the intention of helping to deliver best value health care to the community.

Carol Older

Carol has considerable experience as a Trustee with local and national organisations including the post of Vice Chair of the Older People’s Advocacy Alliance and is currently the South East Regional Trustee for Rape Crisis England and Wales (RCEW). Carol’s career background is in Strategic Development of third sector organisations linked to social care and welfare support services. Carol is the Co-Chair of the Thames Valley Police Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Offences Partnership Board, working with partners across the Thames Valley.

Essie Rewane-Adejare

Essie is a freelance applied behaviour analyst, specialising in therapeutic work with autistic children and young adults. After qualifying as a legal practitioner in 1991, Essie briefly worked in a law firm before moving to various roles in the civil service, including the Treasury Solicitors, Ministry of Defence, Lord Chancellor’s Department, and HMRC.

In 2014, she ventured into the field of Business Analysis until 2019 after which she pursued her passion for health, earning a Higher Education Certificate in health and social care and then a master’s degree in public health in 2022. Essie is especially interested in bridging gaps within Public health/governance in the developing countries.

When she is not working Essie loves listening to gospel songs, watching movies and volunteering for her local Parish Council.

Vaasavi Singh

Vaasavi Singh is originally from Uttar Pradesh, India and now lives in Milton Keynes. She has an MSc in Finance and Management from Cranfield University, and has a career in finance that includes government banking and accountancy. Vaasavi has personal experience of a long-term health condition which has informed her passion for supporting those who have experienced trauma and stress. She is a volunteer at the Art of Living, an NGO which offers self-development programs and tools to eliminate stress and gain inner peace, happiness and well-being.

Michaela Tait

Michaela’s passion is engaging with patients, families  and Carers as well as the  wider members of the public to ensure their voice is heard in improving and development of health and care services. Michaela’s non-NHS roles have been related to healthcare where she has undertaken customer service , marketing and consultancy work. Michaela  has been member of the Council of Governors at Milton Keynes Hospital and a school governor in Milton Keynes. Michaela is a qualified coach and holds qualifications in marketing and public relations. Michaela has lived in Milton Keynes since 1977 and is married with two grown children.