Board of Directors
Lanarkshire Carers is managed by a board of directors who are responsible for the govenance of the organisation. Our board of directors come from different backgrounds, bringing a range of skills and experiences that is of significant benefit to our organisation. The board is also supported by a number of advisors from external agencies.
Samar Sheikh (Chairperson)
Samar Sheikh joined Lanarkshire Carers as a multi-lingual care talk volunteer in 2008, became a board member in 2009 and took on the role of chairperson in November 2011. Samar, an Open University psychology graduate, was born in Pakistan in the latter end of 1959. She grew up in England and finally settled in Scotland some 28 years ago.
As chair of the organisation, Samar is responsible for the development and effective delivery of the strategy agreed by the Board of directors to help ensure the organisation is managed effectively. She also provides support and supervision to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and represents the organisation as its figurehead.
Lynn O'Hara (Vice-Chairperson and Director)
Lynn joined the board early in 2021 as a co-opted member, whom later that year at the AGM was elected to serve as a full board member. Lynn has spent more than 20 years in the voluntary sector, working and volunteering in a variety of roles. Lynn is passionate about human rights and about working with people and communities to help ensure that everyone in the community feels involved, supported and included.
Linda Craig (Treasurer and Director)
Linda joined the Board of Directors in June 2019. Linda was a Carer Support Worker with Lanarkshire Carers from September 2017 till December 2018 when she retired after 16 years of supporting Carers in South Lanarkshire.
Linda also has had a caring role for members of her family for many years.
Phil Hughes (Director)
Phil is the Board’s advisor on all aspects of employment law. Before retiring Phil worked with a large corporate organisation and dealt with the welfare and advocacy needs of employees. Phil has been a carer to two members of his family.
Colin Toal (Director)
Colin is retired after many years in the commercial sector working both with retail and manufacturers. He became a full-time carer in 2018 as Mum’s health declined until her passing in February 2021. Colin is now fulfilling a caring role for his partner. He is a staunch advocate for Lanarkshire Carers and believes they provide a vital role in the wider community.
Sarfraz Saleem (Director)
Sarfraz joined the board in September 2024. Sarfraz is a carer for 2 members of his family and cares passionately about advocating for carers. In 2017, Sarfraz was appointed a Justice of the Peace and in recent years has taken voluntary roles within Lanarkshire supporting those most in need.
Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Hamilton
Ground Floor Left
Princes Gate
60 Castle Street
Hamilton
ML3 6BU
Monday - Friday:
9:00am to 4:30pm
Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Airdrie
Airdrie Locality Support Services
92 Hallcraig Street
Airdrie
ML6 6AW
Monday - Friday:
9:00am to 4:30pm