What ConnEx exists to do
Charities operating at scale face the same technology and transformation pressures as any large enterprise, but rarely with the same access to the leadership expertise required to navigate them. Cyber resilience, technology-enabled care models and the operational discipline needed to support a major transformation programme all demand senior, specialist input, and that input is often the hardest thing for a charity to secure.
ConnEx exists to close that gap. Our pro bono advisory programme connects senior technology and transformation leaders with UK charities, giving them the same calibre of expertise our clients rely on, at no cost. MHA is our first charity partner to be matched, and four advisors have now been appointed to work alongside their team.
About MHA
MHA provides exceptional care, support and places for people in later life to call home and connect with their communities. As one of the UK’s largest charity care providers, MHA is committed to enriching the lives of older people through high-quality, compassionate services tailored to individual needs. Beyond care, the organisation delivers life-enhancing programmes including chaplaincy, music therapy and community connections, ensuring dignity, respect and positive impact in every community it serves.
MHA was one of the charities to pitch at ConnEx’s launch event in February 2026, when we brought together 400 C-suite leaders at the Natural History Museum to connect them with UK charities in need of this kind of support, and it is the first to be matched with its advisors. Four advisors have now been appointed to work alongside MHA’s team on a pro bono basis over the coming months.
How the advisors will support MHA
Through ConnEx, four advisors have been selected to support MHA as it embarks on a significant transformation programme, each bringing experience from large corporates, digital businesses and complex transformation environments. They provide access to senior technology and transformation expertise that would typically sit beyond a charity’s budget, at no cost to MHA.
Acting as independent advisors to the executive team, they will offer strategic challenge, practical guidance and specialist insight across areas including cyber security, technology strategy, governance and programme delivery, helping MHA strengthen its capability as it moves into its next phase of growth.
The four advisors matched through ConnEx have been selected to support MHA through this next stage, bringing senior expertise that would otherwise sit well beyond a charity’s typical budget, at no cost to MHA at all.
Here is more about each of them, and what they bring to the partnership.
Philomena Lavery, CISO
Philomena joins as Cyber Advisor, bringing her experience in cyber resilience to an organisation whose services depend on the trust of the people and families it supports.
“I’m proud to share that I’ve been appointed as a pro bono Cyber Adviser to MHA. Their mission of living later life well is fundamental to a good society, and it’s a privilege to support an organisation doing such meaningful work. I’m very much looking forward to working with Sam Monaghan and the wider team to strengthen cyber resilience in a way that enables their strategy, operations, and long-term ambitions. I’m excited to contribute my experience to help MHA continue delivering safe, trusted, and impactful services for the communities they serve.”
Tom Wilshere, CTO, Florence
Tom takes on the role of Technology Advisor, drawing on his background building technology for the social care sector alongside a clear understanding of the constraints charities operate within.
“I’m excited to support MHA as a pro-bono advisor. It’s an exciting opportunity to combine my experience building technology for the social care sector with my understanding of the charity sector’s unique constraints. MHA is truly pushing the boundaries of care delivery; their Pathfinder home programme is a brilliant example of this. By pioneering a model that integrates assistive tech and dementia-friendly design, they are fundamentally rethinking how we create environments where older people can thrive. I can’t wait to support them on this journey.”
Peter Nota, CISO, Vanquis Banking
Peter joins as CISO Advisor at a point where MHA’s transformation programme places real demands on how technology change is delivered, and on the security and resilience of the services that underpin it.
“It is a privilege to have been selected to be an advisor for MHA. As they transition through a significant transformation programme, I’m sure I will be able to bring a different perspective to the really valuable work that the team at MHA do for their residents. Specifically, I am hoping to bring value to the way in which they deliver technology change with a very clear focus on the benefits that will deliver for their residents and support teams, and doing that in a consistent, controlled and secure manner. That will mean helping them to develop and implement relevant target operating models, appropriate technology and associated support services which provide secure and resilient services for their operation. I’m looking forward to being part of their journey for the foreseeable future.”
Divya Bharwaj, COO, Uber Payments UK
Divya joins as COO Advisor, bringing a fintech background to a charity whose growth and operational efficiency now depend on the same commercial discipline that underpins any complex organisation.
“I’m delighted to share that I have been appointed as an Advisor to MHA, a fantastic UK charity dedicated to eldercare. Huge thanks to La Fosse for making this connection. Stepping into this advisory role allows me to channel my Fintech background into a sector where meaningful innovation is truly needed. I’m eager to help MHA navigate their strategic growth, bring fresh ideas around financial technology and operational efficiency, and support their incredible team in championing the independence and well-being of older adults.”
Sam Monaghan, CEO, MHA
For MHA, the value of the partnership is already visible.
“We’re excited to be working with our four advisors, who are already demonstrating the breadth of their skills and experience and making a real difference as trusted critical friends. Their external perspective will help us challenge our thinking, unlock new opportunities and strengthen the way we deliver for the people and communities we serve. We’re looking forward to learning from them and to playing our part in the wider ConnEx programme.”
What comes next
MHA is the first of five charity partners in the ConnEx programme, and further matches with advisors are progressing across the others. As those partnerships take shape, we will continue to showcase how senior leaders are contributing their expertise to support charities navigating complex change.
Contact us to find out more about ConnEx, or to register interest in advising a charity partner.