As we begin 2026, we are delighted to announce that Tess Hutchinson and Will Clark have joined the Solar Bear Board.
Tess brings extensive experience in residential and social care, having worked for many years with deaf and deafblind children and adults. A committed advocate with lived experience of challenging discrimination and inequality, Tess now gives back through volunteering and community leadership. Her insight and expertise will be invaluable in shaping our community projects and our work with deaf youth theatre and schools.
We have also had the pleasure of working with Will Clark for many years. An award-winning filmmaker and Director of Photography, Will has played a key role in developing Solar Reels, the first deaf-led film school in the UK dedicated to supporting emerging deaf filmmaking talent. We are excited to utilise his expertise as we continue to push the boundaries of our digital and creative work.
Solar Bear is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for deaf and deafblind communities, and we’re proud that more than 50% of our Board members bring lived experience from these communities. We believe it’s essential that these perspectives shape leadership and decision-making from the top down. Exciting times!