Meet our lively and passionate team behind the scenes.
Candoco is the sum of many parts. The individuals that make up our Staff and Board are essential to ensure the smooth running of the company.
We might be a small team but we make a big impact. Bringing skills from a variety of industries and backgrounds, the Staff and Board at Candoco is a devoted group of individuals committed to making excellent productions and learning experiences. The team is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our audiences and participants and providing a safe and comfortable environment in which our dancers and artists can work.
Team
Toni Adebajo (she/her)
Governance Secretary
I am the Governance Secretary at Candoco and a freelance access consultant. I have an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from King's College London.
I am a queer, disabled, Latinx access creative and consultant. I focus on creating structures that welcome more disabled people in the arts and work life.
I am Lead for Skills and Leadership at Candoco, where I shape programmes that support artists and aspiring leaders to develop their practice and build sustainable careers, and work with organisations and practitioners to develop inclusive and sustainable ways of working.
My route into leadership came via performance: I performed professionally with Matthew Bourne's Adventures in Motion Pictures, ENO and at the Royal Opera House amongst others, before moving into teaching and then into the organisational side of the sector.
I’ve held a range of roles at Candoco and now work as Company Producer. My background spans access coordination and education, underpinned by a foundation in contemporary dance.
Candoco outsources its finance function to Fresh Eyes Finance, an organisation led by Brian Dorgan FCCA.
Robert Filkins IT4Arts
A familiar face to organisations and charities across the arts sector, Robert provides IT advice and support to Candoco, from Google Drive and email to backups, new users, and everything in between.
Davina Ebikeme
Partnerships
Davina works with Candoco to build partnerships with people and organisations who share our belief that disabled makers and their work deserve to be celebrated and seen.
Lynda Harwood-Compton – Latch Fundraising
Fundraising Consultant
Lynda is an award-winning fundraising consultant with international experience working with charities to develop and grow their income.
Nadine Patel
Creative Consultant
A creative consultant with over 30 years of experience supporting artists and arts organisations, Nadine works across borders and barriers, bringing expertise in facilitation, evaluation, strategic planning, and policy.
Caroline Sharp
External Financial Advisor
Caroline worked with us to review and strengthen our finance procedures, and continues to support us on an ad hoc basis, providing expert advice and support on all things charity finance, working closely with the Executive Director and FreshEyes Finance.
Purple Goat
Marketing Agency
An inclusive marketing agency working with some of the biggest brands in the world to create incredibly representative, innovative and authentic marketing campaigns.
Robert James
Press & PR
Robert is a communications consultant specialising in dance. With over 13 years’ experience, he has worked with some of the world’s leading arts and cultural organisations. He is temporarily covering the role of communications with Lucy White.
Board
Maria Anastase
Board Member
Maria is a passionate supporter of the arts, with an extensive career leading Risk Management, Sustainability Strategy, and Corporate Social Responsibility functions in the international corporate and investment banking sector.
Ben Evans
Board Member
Ben is a disabled arts manager and accessible cultural policy consultant. Following 12 years working for the British Council, Ben is now the Project Director of Europe Beyond Access, the world’s largest trans-national Arts & Disability programme.
Rachel Evans
Board Member
Rachel has extensive experience working as an engagement producer and consultant for numerous arts organisations, touring companies, festivals, charities and for the local government.
Sarah Howard
Board Member
Sarah’s career has spanned three decades across the world of theatre and dance, including Sadler’s Wells, Park Theatre, Unlimited, 2012 Cultural Olympiad and Candoco - managing its education programme from 2000 to 2006.
Beth Lewis
Board Member
Beth is an experienced HR and leadership development professional, executive coach, and former HR Director. Passionate about inclusion and equity, Beth supports individuals and organisations to thrive through purposeful people practices.
Kez Margrie
Board Member
Kez brings her extensive experience at the BBC in directing, producing and commissioning TV content to the Candoco Board. She is a multi-award-winning content creator with a commitment to working with those who are underrepresented in the arts.
Patrick McGeough
Board Member & Vice Chair
Patrick has worked within the exercise, movement, and dance sectors, drawing on his knowledge and lived experience as a participant, instructor, and CEO in the field.
Ash Nandi
Board Member & Treasurer
Ash is an Investment Researcher at a bulge bracket Investment Bank and a qualified Chartered Accountant. She was appointed as Candoco's Trustee and Treasurer in June 2024 and was matched to the role by RIAC.
Kirsten Vaughan
Board Member
Kirsten’s career has covered private, public and charity sectors with a focus on people and operational efficiency. Her experience covers service improvement, transformation and project management.
Sharon Watson MBE DL
Board Member & Chair
Sharon Watson MBE, DL, is a trailblazing figure in the world of contemporary dance, celebrated for her exceptional contributions as CEO and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
