Alan Neilson - Founder and Chairman
Alan Neilson is a technology entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to using innovation to drive positive social impact and the founder of EQOL. Driven by lived experience, Alan’s motivation and values are at the heart of EQOL’s mission. Having an autistic family member, he’s seen how support can drop away after education, leaving people without purpose or connection.
That’s why he’s so committed to helping EQOL provide opportunities that bring meaning and belonging to neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Alan is a serial entrepreneur who, throughout his 35+ year career in software technologies, has held technical, sales, marketing, and executive leadership roles. This culminated in the founding of a number of software technology businesses, including as the Founder and CEO of Royalblue Technologies plc - part of Fidessa Group plc FDSA.L - and VerseOne Group where he is the Executive Chairman.
Beyond his professional achievements he is also a lifelong philanthropist, passionately raising funds and awareness for charitable causes through extraordinary adventures, from high-altitude climbs in the Himalayas and unaided expeditions to both the North and South Poles, to crossing Greenland from north to south, cycling across rural China, and motorcycling across the USA.
A firm believer that innovative technologies, when applied thoughtfully, are powerful levellers, Alan has ambitious plans to harness their potential through EQOL, empowering neurodiverse adults to achieve greater independence, connectivity, and an enhanced quality of life.
Rene Milner - Trustee
Rene brings 30 years' experience as a CFO leading all aspects of financial performance and stakeholder management to build high growth SMEs backed by private equity and founders in the technology and education sectors.Prior to joining VerseOne, Rene was CFO at Eaton House Schools for five years and a key member of the leadership team which led the delivery of education through technology solutions for pupils through COVID, before the school joined the Dukes Education Group. Whilst at Eaton House Schools he was a founding trustee of the Eaton House Schools Foundation which was formed to broaden access for families without the financial means to afford an independent education.
Previously he spent eight years as the CFO at Investis Digital growing the business organically and through acquisition to over 1,500 listed customers and with significant operations in the UK, USA, Sweden, Germany and India. He began his career at Arthur Andersen and is a qualified chartered accountant.
Outside the office, Rene enjoys cooking for family and friends as well as cycling, running and walking in the Surrey Hills.
Heidi Neilson — Trustee
As the mother of a neurodivergent son, Heidi has first-hand experience of the challenges faced by individuals and families navigating the many manifestations of neurodiversity. Raising her youngest son, now in his early thirties, gave her the drive and determination to explore a wide range of therapies, interventions, and expert insights better to support his development and wellbeing.
Through this journey, Heidi recognised a significant gap — the lack of a truly holistic, person-centred organisationfocused on enhancing the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals through practical, empowering strategies and services.
A passionate flower farmer and naturist, Heidi firmly believes in the power of nature, outdoor activity, and purposeful engagement to improve mental health, wellbeing, and fulfilment for everyone — particularly for those who experience the world differently.
This belief inspired Heidi to become involved with EQOL, where she now plays an active role as a Trustee helping to shape programmes that promote independence, inclusion, and connection for all neurodiverse people.
Carolyn Bunting MBE — Trustee
Carolyn Bunting MBE is best known for her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Internet Matters, the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping children stay safe online. With a strong background in the media and technology sectors, she has built a career focused on supporting families, influencing policy, and promoting responsible digital innovation.
During her time at Internet Matters, Carolyn played a key role in expanding the organisation’s reach and impact, working closely with industry partners, government bodies, and educators to address the evolving challenges of the digital world. Under her leadership, the organisation developed practical tools and resources for parents, helping them navigate issues such as social media use, screen time, and online harms.
Before joining Internet Matters, Carolyn held senior roles in major media and communication companies, where she gained extensive experience in strategy, partnerships, and audience engagement.
In recognition of her contributions to child online safety and the digital sector, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
Carolyn is also a mother of twin secondary school aged boys, one of whom has autism. She is delighted to be supporting the important work of EQOL.