Our Trustees
Darren Bean
Chairman
Darren has been a Trustee with Cumbria Deaf Association since 2023 and in September that year, became Chairman of the board.
Paul Blacklock
Vice Chairman
Paul has been a Trustee with Cumbria Deaf Association since 2015. Prior to joining the trustees, he was a volunteer for CDA’s Children and Young Peoples (Balloon) Project and spent several years as the secretary for the Cumbria Deaf Children’s Society.
He has a daughter (Kayleigh) with hearing loss which is why he originally got involved with both charities.
In his day job, Paul works as a Senior Engineering Support Manager for one of the county’s biggest employers.
Paul did his British Sign Language Level 1 and 2 Training with Cumbria Deaf Association about 9 years ago and continues to brush up on these skills.
Paul says “I have been involved with the D/deaf community for nearly 20 years and within that time I have seen the great work that CDA does to support this community, from the youngest child to the elderly. Every Staff member, Volunteers and Trustees are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care and support for the D/deaf community.”
Charlie Allgrove
Treasurer
Charlie has been a Trustee with Cumbria Deaf Association since 2016 and was Chair of the Board from 2019 – 2024. He has twin boys, one of whom has a hearing loss which is why he originally got involved with the charity.
With a degree in Electronic Engineering, Charlie also has vast experience in Wi-Fi technology and internet connectivity (the day job!) and participates in various industry bodies.
As well as acting as a Trustee for CDA, Charlie also volunteers as a Scout Leader for Cumbria Scouts.
Charlie says “CDA does such important work for the d/Deaf community across the huge geography that is Cumbria and having a son with a hearing loss has heightened the awareness that their services can provide to everyone – whether they have normal hearing or any degree of hearing loss.”
Emma Rogers
Trustee
Emma has been a Trustee with Cumbria Deaf Association since 2023.
She was employed as a Social Worker for the Deaf with CDA from 2014-2017. It was through her involvement with the charity that she eventually managed to become a qualified British Sign Language Interpreter in 2023!
Emma is currently employed as a Specialist Paediatric Oncology Social Worker in the North East where she supports children and families affected by cancer.
Emma says “I have worked with the d/Deaf community for over 10 years now and in that time I have seen the fantastic work that CDA does to support this community. I am passionate about continuing this vital work and excited to see how the charity continues to grow and develop”
Shelley Harrison
Trustee
Shelley joined as a Trustee in March 2026.
Shelley is a CODA (child of deaf adults) and has BSL as her first language so she understands its cultural importance. She has been involved in the deaf community all of her life and knows how crucial this part of CDAs work is. She now works as a freelance BSL/English interpreter in a variety of settings.
In her personal time she enjoys running and going to the gym.
Ollie Flitcroft
Trustee
Ollie is a wheelchair user and has Spina Bifida. He has spent the majority of his working life working for different charities in the field of fundraising and training. He is a member of the chartered institute of fundraising. In addition Ollie is a Disability rights and inclusion campaigner. He has organised conferences and workshops on inclusion disability equality and awareness.
Ollie became deaf in 1996 when he contracted Meningitis , and is deaf in both ears. He is very much looking forward to undertaking the role of Trustee for Cumbria Deaf Association, and understands the great work CDA does within the Deaf community .
He is excited about the future for CDA and looks forward to contributing towards CDA’s development.
Jayson Kiggins
Trustee
Jayson Kiggins is a proud Deaf trustee who was born and raised in Whitehaven, West Cumbria. Deaf from birth, Jayson grew up attending CDA and the Youth Deaf Club alongside William Turner, creating many happy memories and building strong connections within the Deaf community from a young age.
As a Cochlear Implant/Oral & BSL user, Jayson is passionate about supporting CDA and helping the organisation continue to grow and support Deaf people across the local community. Alongside his Deaf wife Rebecca, who works as a support worker and BSL teacher, he is committed to promoting accessibility, inclusion and opportunities for Deaf people of all ages.