Recruiting for Lived Experience Insight: Learning from Peridot Partners

About Jennifer Horan

Jennifer is Head of Board Appointments of the Board Practice at Peridot Partners, a values-led executive search consultancy specialising in appointing chairs, trustees, and senior leaders into purpose-driven organisations across the charity, not-for-profit and third sector. Jennifer is a governance specialist with a particular passion for recruiting diverse, inclusive boards and a strong track record of finding and supporting trustees who bring lived experience to their roles. She has worked across health, disability, social care, criminal justice, campaigning, environment, and international development, and is a champion for neurodiversity and inclusion in governance.

About Conor Naughton

Connor has an extensive background in small charities, higher education, youth impact, and social mobility. At Peridot Partners, Conor is a Senior Consultant working with small and medium-sized charities and membership organisations to recruit exceptional chief executives, senior leaders, and board members. Driven by values-led recruitment, he brings sector insight, governance expertise, and a people-first approach to every appointment.

About the session

The session will explore how organisations like Headway can meaningfully involve people with lived experience of acquired brain injury in their governance and leadership, why this representation matters, and the practical steps to attracting, supporting, and retaining trustees who bring this vital perspective to the boardroom.