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Category: Charity
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Automotive charity, Ben, has announced the appointment of a new Chair and four new Trustees as it enters an exciting new chapter in its ambition to transform the future of health and wellbeing across the automotive industry.
The appointments come as Ben embarks on developing its long-term vision to help create an industry where everyone can access the support they need to thrive. Additionally, where health and wellbeing become a shared responsibility across employers, colleagues and the wider automotive community.
With an ambitious road to 2030 where the charity is seeking to significantly increase its reach and support thousands more people, Ben will evolve its services, expand industry partnerships and develop new ways to improve wellbeing at every stage of people's lives and careers. The new Board appointments will play a key role in helping shape this future, bringing fresh thinking, strategic insight and extensive leadership experience from across the automotive, charity, public and commercial sectors.
Jonathan Hewett has been appointed as Chair of Ben, alongside new Trustees Darren Edwards, Georgina Hoare, Damian Oton and Pia Wilkes CBE.
Will Dalton has served as Interim Chair since March, providing strong leadership and continuity throughout the recruitment process. Ben thanks Will for his outstanding contribution during this period and is pleased that he will continue to serve on the Board as a Trustee.
Jonathan Hewett is Chief Executive of Thatcham Research, the UK's only automotive risk intelligence organisation. He brings extensive leadership experience across financial services, insurance, retail and technology, together with a strong track record in strategy, innovation and organisational development. Through his work at Thatcham Research, he has helped guide the automotive, insurance and repair sectors through a period of rapid technological change. Jonathan is also a Trustee of the National Motor Museum and, having grown up in a motor trade family, has a lifelong connection to the automotive industry and a deep commitment to the people who work within it.
Joining Jonathan on the Board is Darren Edwards, former Chief Executive Officer of Sytner Group, who brings more than 40 years of automotive leadership experience. Throughout his career, Darren has been a passionate advocate for colleague wellbeing and a long-standing supporter of Ben, including establishing a major fundraising initiative at Sytner. His expertise spans strategy, governance, leadership, technology, marketing and customer experience.
Georgina Hoare, Chief Executive of the PDA Society, joins the Board with extensive experience across the charity, health and social care sectors at senior leadership and board level. A qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist, organisational consultant and coach, she brings expertise in mental health, safeguarding, organisational development and charity governance, alongside a strong commitment to improving psychological health and wellbeing outcomes.
Damian Oton, Chief Commercial Officer at Motability Operations, brings more than three decades of automotive experience and expertise in commercial strategy, operational leadership, governance, transformation and partnership development.
Pia Wilkes CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), is a qualified engineer with over 30 years' experience across the automotive sector. Having held senior leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, Pia is also a recognised advocate for diversity, inclusion and neurodiversity, bringing invaluable insight to Ben's future ambitions.
Rachel Clift, CEO of Ben, said: “These appointments mark an exciting moment in Ben's journey. We have bold ambitions, not only to reach thousands more people with life-changing and lifesaving support, but to help shape a future where health and wellbeing are embedded at the heart of the automotive industry.
“The challenges facing our industry continue to evolve and so must we. Together with our new Chair and Trustees, we have an incredible opportunity to reimagine how wellbeing is understood, delivered and championed across the automotive community. Their experience, insight and passion will help us inspire new thinking, build stronger partnerships and create lasting impact for generations to come.”
Jonathan Hewett, Chair of Ben, said: “It is a privilege to join Ben at such a pivotal moment. The charity has an ambitious vision for the future and an increasingly important role to play in helping shape a healthier, more resilient automotive industry.
“I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees, Rachel and the senior leadership team to help turn that vision into reality - growing Ben's reach, driving innovation and ensuring even more people can access the support they need throughout their lives and careers.”
For more information about our Board of Trustees, visit: www.ben.org.uk/board.
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, has today published its latest Year in Numbers, highlighting the growing demand for health, wellbeing and financial support across the automotive industry between April 2025 and March 2026.
Over the year, Ben responded to 14,377 enquiries for support, highlighting the growing pressures faced by people working in the automotive industry. The charity directly supported 3,421 individuals through tailored services, designed to help them navigate challenges related to their physical and mental health. This included supporting people experiencing high levels of stress, bereavement, financial hardship and the demands of balancing work and personal life. Through Ben’s support, thousands of individuals across the automotive sector received the help they needed to regain stability and get back on track.
While these figures demonstrate the significant impact Ben is already making, they also highlight the substantial unmet need that still exists across the industry. Ben believes many more people could benefit from its support, however, given the size and scale of the automotive sector, raising awareness of the charity and its services remains a significant challenge. As a result, Ben has set an ambition to treble its charitable reach by 2030, ensuring far more automotive people know where to turn for health and wellbeing support, for life.
Support and specialist services delivery
During the year, Ben supported 3,421 individuals, delivering 7,048 direct support interventions, including:
- 1,632 individuals received general information, advice and guidance for a range of issues
- 1,605 individuals were supported with benefits advice and financial guidance
- 573 financial grants were awarded to individuals in hardship
- 468 individuals were supported through Ben Therapy
- 263 individuals received Life Coaching
- 528 activations of SilverCloud, Ben’s digital mental health support platform.
Ben also maintained a consistently high satisfaction rate across all services, with an average of 95%.
Demand for online and digital support
Demand for online support and self-help resources also remained high, with more than 52,000 website visitors and 77,000 support page views recorded during the year. In addition, over 1,000 individuals signed up to receive health and wellbeing tips, advice and tools via email, which was an 8% increase, bringing the charity’s total subscribers to 15,500.
The most visited online support content reflected some of the biggest challenges currently affecting automotive people, including:
These trends demonstrate continued demand for mental health and emotional wellbeing support, as well as practical financial and career advice as people navigate ongoing uncertainty and change.
Ben has also just launched a new mental health self-assessment tool on its website in response to growing demand for support in this area: www.ben.org.uk/mentalhealthquiz.
Supporting employers and workplaces
Ben also continued to work alongside automotive employers to support the health and wellbeing of their workforce through training, health checks and response services. Across the year:
Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “Our latest year in numbers shows both the difference Ben is making and the growing challenges facing people across the automotive industry. Every number represents a real person who reached out for support, whether because of mental health struggles, financial worries, bereavement, stress or uncertainty about the future.
“While we’re proud of the impact we’re having, we also know the need across the industry is far greater than the number of people currently accessing our services. Too many people still don’t know Ben is here for them. That’s why increasing awareness is such a major priority for us. We want everyone in automotive to know where they can turn for support, whatever they’re facing.
“Our ambition is to treble our charitable impact by 2030 so we can help far more people earlier, before challenges escalate into crisis. We’ll continue evolving our services and working closely with industry partners to make that ambition a reality.”
Real impact testimonials
Here are some recent quotes from people who have received support from Ben:
"What Ben offers is something that truly benefits people, and the more it’s talked about, the more people it can help. That’s so important, because this industry can be incredibly tough. If sharing my story helps even one person reach out and get the support they need, then it’s worth it.” - Holly
“For the first time in a long time, my future feels real. I feel more confident, more positive and more like myself again. To anyone thinking of contacting Ben, I would say: Absolutely do it. Their support is life-saving.” - Andy
“With Ben, it was different. I had guidance, it was interactive, engaging and I didn’t feel alone. For the first time, I felt truly heard and validated. Now, I feel like a completely different person.” - Ellie
“Now, I can see a future - one where I can make peace with my past and be content in the present. To anyone considering contacting Ben, my message is simple - try it. Ben has given people like me the chance to rebuild our lives.” - Jack
Ben is also calling on the automotive industry to continue supporting its work, helping ensure that vital services remain accessible to all who need them. Find out how to support Ben at www.ben.org.uk/supportBen.
For more information or to access support, visit: www.ben.org.uk.
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From 31 March to 4 April 2026, Jack Nichol will attempt an extraordinary endurance feat, completing FIVE full Ironman triathlons in five consecutive days. That’s a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run every single day, covering a total of 1,132km in just five days.
Jack is taking on this challenge to raise funds and awareness for Veterans into Logistics, a UK charity supporting veterans into training, employment and long-term careers within the logistics sector. The challenge also shines a spotlight on veterans’ mental health, an issue Jack feels strongly about.
After leaving the military (Royal Marines), Jack found himself searching for purpose and structure. Endurance training became his lifeline during difficult periods, and this challenge is his way of using that experience to support others, particularly veterans struggling with mental health.
Fewer than 45 people worldwide are known to have attempted anything like this, making it a rare and powerful story of determination, resilience and purpose. With daily milestones, strong human interest, and a clear charitable mission, Challenge 5 offers an opportunity for compelling coverage across news, sport, and wellbeing segments.
Jack Nichol is fundraising for Veterans into Logistics
Veterans Road To Recovery
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is strengthening support for those facing job losses and redundancies, including raising awareness about coaching to help people with upskilling, job seeking, career changes and building confidence.
With UK automotive production down nearly 12% in the first half of 2025 and suppliers announcing thousands of redundancies, Ben is raising awareness about its Work, health & wellbeing support. At the same time, industry analysts warn of labour shortages in the automotive supply chain, projecting the need for 111,400 new and replacement automotive roles by 2035, including demand for 45,800 vehicle technicians.
Ben’s ‘Work, health & wellbeing’ services include:
- Free online tools at www.ben.org.uk/work
Ben provides tips and advice on CVs and cover letters, redundancy rights, interview preparation and job‑hunting.
- One‑to‑one support and coaching:
- Practical support for people who are looking for work or to re-train
- Information, advice & guidance for managing money and maximising benefits
- Advice on redundancy and stress management
- Access to digital money worries and mental health support programmes on SilverCloud: www.ben.org.uk/silvercloud
- Coaching to help improve confidence and motivation, which are commonly affected during periods of uncertainty related to employment: www.ben.org.uk/lifecoaching
- Ben works with several automotive companies that provide relevant career tips, information and guidance for automotive people, including:
Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “Work is an incredibly important part of our lives and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. As well as providing the financial security we all need, work provides us with social connections and helps us build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.
“The automotive industry is simultaneously grappling with redundancies and a long-term technician shortage. Ben’s services provide both more urgent support for those facing job losses and associated money worries as well as pre‑emptive preparation for those looking for a career change, pivoting into new roles or sectors.
“We’re also pleased to work with some fantastic organisations such as Rygor, IMI and the SMMT which have created fantastic resources which are useful for those reaching out for support. These are challenging times. We want automotive people to know that Ben is here for them and can provide the support they need. If you’ve lost your job or your role’s at risk of redundancy, please get in touch.”
Kate Ruberry-Shoemack, Director of People and Communications at Rygor, said: “At Rygor, we believe in empowering individuals to take charge of their career journeys, especially in times of uncertainty. Our Careers Hub offers practical tools to help people feel confident and capable as they navigate their job search or consider a new career direction and our Self-Development Journal also supports people on their journey. We’re proud to partner with Ben and support automotive people in building resilience, upskilling and unlocking new opportunities.”
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Thousands of supply chain staff and families facing weeks without pay urged to contact Ben’s bespoke helpline to access support.
The Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (Ben) is offering bespoke support to the thousands of people affected by the ongoing cyber attack at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
Since 1 September, JLR has experienced a cyber attack that has shut down production at its three manufacturing sites in the UK. The estimated number of people impacted is 120,000, including 50-75,000 supply chain workers, 30-40,000 family members, and 5-8,000 agency staff.
Ben has launched a bespoke campaign, offering practical and emotional support, guiding employers and workers to all the financial and mental health resources available to support those impacted by the cyber attack.
The UK Government has announced a £1.5 billion loan to support JLR and its supply chain restart operations. However, many people working in the sector have already acutely felt the effects of a month without work or payment.
Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: "The impact of the cyber attack has already been deeply felt across the supplier workforce, and the need for support remains urgent. While the Government loan is a positive step towards recovery, we don’t yet know how quickly funds will reach suppliers who were forced to shut down production.
“For many, this means starting up again after almost a month without work – a challenge that brings its own financial and emotional pressures. Small and medium-sized suppliers in particular face significant hurdles: cashflow disruption, staff who may have gone weeks without pay, and the practical and emotional strain of restarting operations at pace. These difficulties risk leaving workers and families in very vulnerable positions.
“We want everyone affected to know that help is here and support is available. Whether it’s financial assistance, mental health support, or practical advice, we are committed to standing alongside the automotive community as it navigates this difficult period."
The pause in production at JLR has already had a significant impact on the UK economy, contributing to the rapid decline in productivity for the UK’s manufacturing sector.
Rachel Clift continues: "We know that it’s vital that production can start again swiftly. This will require a resilient workforce across JLR and its supply chain. We want to work alongside the UK Government and other key stakeholders to ensure that all the necessary support is in place for workers to restart production without barriers."
Anyone affected by the JLR cyber attack can access support from Ben by visiting www.ben.org.uk/cyber-attack, emailing [email protected], or calling Ben’s confidential helpline on 0808 131 1333.
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