Operation Smile is a charity which provides cleft lip and palate surgery and care in 37countries, to some of the world’s hardest-to-reach patients, often in resource-limited settings. In doing so it changes the lives not only of a significant number of youngsters, but also their families, by giving them access to safe medical care.
Operation Smile medical volunteers provide the full package of support, from surgery, nutrition, dentistry and orthodontics, to speech therapy and psychosocial care. The organisation also invests in health infrastructure and partners with hospitals to strengthen local health systems. This sustainable approach empowers local healthcare workers through training and mentorship, to build the capacity and skills to deliver safe surgery and care to their own communities.
The charity, which has significant support from dental organisations including Align Technology, MiSmile and The European Aligner Society, has just announced that it has appointed three new Trustees to its UK board. Mairead O’Callaghan Executive Director of the UK organisation explained the strategic appointments have been made to provide a new level of expertise in finance, governance, and organisational development.
Trustees to help the organisation deliver long term vision
As she commented “I’m delighted to announce the growth and strengthening of our Board of Trustees. The three exceptional individuals we will be working with bring a wealth of experience, passion, and expertise to Operation Smile UK. Each provides a new and important perspective and we are incredibly fortunate to have them join us. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives will be invaluable as we embark on our multi-year strategy, and continue to connect our donors in the UK with our vision of a world where all children have access to safe, essential surgery.”
Whilst Karen Jaques, interim Chair of the Trustee Board, added “Ingrid, Michelle and Patrick bring a considerable breadth of knowledge and skills to the Operation Smile UK Board. I am delighted to welcome them to the team. Their strategic input will be invaluable as we continue to strive to ensure a brighter, more equitable future for children with cleft conditions worldwide. I look forward to working alongside them and to the value they will undoubtedly bring to the Board and our wider cause.”
Ingrid Cope is an accomplished legal and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience across global brands including Coca-Cola, Heinz, and Pernod Ricard. Currently at Coca-Cola, Ingrid oversees compliance, governance, and risk for the business in Europe, and played a key role in major partnerships such as the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ingrid’s international outlook and experience managing cross-cultural teams makes her highly effective in global settings. She has considerable experience in corporate governance, transformation, and regulatory compliance, and has worked in multiple sectors, including government and the third sector.
Ingrid is passionate about the work of Operation Smile and has a personal connection to the cause – her husband Paul was born with a cleft condition. Both Paul and his late mother Irene, have described the impact this had in Paul’s early life. Their experiences have given Ingrid a deep appreciation of the challenges faced by children and families navigating similar journeys today but without the access to a first world healthcare system.
As she commented: “I was inspired to join the Operation Smile Board of Trustees by the organisation’s life-changing mission to transform the lives of children. I hope to contribute strategic insight and bring value that supports the organisation’s long-term growth and ability to deliver safe, effective surgical care to children in need.”
“I’m most excited about collaborating with a passionate, mission-driven team committed to creating lasting change in global health. The opportunity to help scale meaningful solutions that transform lives is humbling and deeply motivating. I am looking forward to connecting with the teams in the UK and elsewhere in the world to make this happen.”
Patrick Aylmer is a chartered accountant, with 20 years of experience in investment banking. He is currently the Managing Director of Fox Funding, a property finance business. Previously Patrick was Investment Director of a FTSE-100 corporate, and spent 4 years as Finance Director of the Elton John Aids Foundation. Patrick brings his extensive experience and expertise to the board’s Finance and Audit Committee.
Michelle Futter brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, human resources, and organisational development to the Board of Trustees of Operation Smile UK. Her dynamic career spans multiple sectors, and she has held senior roles in both private and charitable organisations. As the founder and director of MFHR Ltd, she advises organisations on executive recruitment, leadership development, and HR transformation. Michelle is passionate about empowering people and creating lasting change, and she is honoured to contribute her expertise to support Operation Smile’s vision and growth.
“Joining the Operation Smile Board of Trustees was deeply personal for me. I have long admired the organisation’s commitment to providing life-changing surgical care to children around the world. The transformative power of a simple surgery, something many take for granted, can mean the difference between isolation and inclusion, silence and speech, or suffering and a hopeful future. I was inspired not only by the tangible medical impact but also by the dignity and confidence restored to children and families.
In this role, I hope to contribute my strategic insight, leadership experience, and network to help amplify awareness, strengthen partnerships, and support the organisation’s mission to build sustainable health systems. Ultimately, I want to help ensure that every child, no matter where they are born, has the opportunity to smile without pain or stigma.
What excites me most is being part of a global movement that blends compassion with action. Operation Smile is a unique organisation that not only delivers critical surgical interventions but also invests in local healthcare capacity and community empowerment. The dedication and heart behind the team, including surgeons, volunteers, staff, and supporters, is truly inspiring. I am energised by the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate group of individuals who are committed to changing lives every single day. Being part of this team fills me with purpose and excitement for what we can accomplish together.”
For more information about the work of Operation Smile please visit https://www.operationsmile.org.uk
