MENCAP has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director of Governance, Kaleel Desai, who will take up the role on 24th May 2021.

Khaleel joins Mencap from Islamic Relief Worldwide, an independent humanitarian and development organisation where he is currently the Head of Governance and Company Secretary.

With extensive experience working with community groups, charities and non-governmental organisations, Khaleel has previously worked as a lawyer and legal and governance advisor in charities including Save the Children International and Plan International. Since 2019, he has also been a trustee for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) International.

Prior to moving to the charity sector, Khaleel spent 10 years working within the UK Government Legal Service, where he provided legal advice on issues ranging from family and children’s rights, education law to human rights aspects of mental health legislation. He also advised on the legal powers of NHS regulatory bodies, held a role at the European Commission and was also assistant-solicitor to the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.

Commenting on his appointment at the learning disability charity Mencap, Khaleel Desai said:

“Mencap’s achievements in positively impacting the lives of people with a learning disability is truly remarkable, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the team and contribute at such a critical time. I look forward to playing my part in the delivery of the new strategy and achieving Mencap’s vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.”

Edel Harris, Chief Executive of the learning disability charity Mencap, said:

“I am pleased to be welcoming Khaleel Desai to Mencap. With a strong background in legal and governance, Khaleel’s extensive experience across the charity sector and the UK Government will be of huge value to Mencap as he helps to spearhead our work to campaign for the rights of the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.”