Meet the Team

Mal Seward – Chair and Co-Founder

Mal pictured with his now retired Assistance Dog and PADs Mascot Crumble

Mal Seward is Co-Founder and Chair of the Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Foundation (PADs). Living with long-term mental health challenges, Mal has first-hand experience of the positive impact that an assistance dog can have on independence, confidence and everyday life. His own experiences of barriers to accessing recognition and support for his psychiatric assistance dog highlighted the need for a UK charity dedicated to helping people owner-train psychiatric assistance dogs safely, ethically and to recognised standards. These experiences became the driving force behind the creation of PADs Foundation.

As Chair, Mal brings both lived experience and strong skills in strategic planning and governance, helping to ensure the organisation remains resilient, transparent and effective despite operating as a volunteer-led charity. He provides oversight of PADs Foundation’s long-term strategic direction, ensuring that decision-making, governance and resource allocation remain aligned with the charity’s mission, values and charitable objectives.

Mal has been instrumental in developing and monitoring PADs Foundation’s long-term strategic plan, strengthening the charity’s governance, financial accountability and sustainable growth. His commitment to improving access, raising standards and supporting others on their assistance dog journey continues to shape the organisation’s vision and future development.

Zoe Norquoy – Co-Founder, Trustee and Operational Lead

Zoe pictured with Beano, a much-loved dog previously in her professional care and training

Zoe Norquoy is Co-Founder, Trustee and Programme Development Lead at Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Foundation (PADs), where she leads the development, implementation, and day-to-day delivery of the organisation’s training programme. She is responsible for programme design, welfare standards, training resources, and operational systems that support members and their assistance dogs throughout the training journey.

Zoe has worked full-time in the animal training industry since 2007, with experience spanning companion animals, exotic species, and multi-species training programmes. Alongside her work with PADs Foundation, she runs a private dog training and animal behaviour consultancy, providing professional behaviour and training services. She also volunteers as a Behaviourist with Feline Fine Foundation, supporting animal welfare considerations within services assisting individuals affected by domestic abuse.

She is a registered member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA), holds a COAPE Certified Animal Behaviourist qualification (DipCABT), is a Pet Therapeutic Nutrition Coach (NAVC), is currently undertaking a Provet Certificate in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition (PCertSACN), and is a student member of the British Association of Psychopharmacology.

Zoe has also held operational and management roles within animal welfare organisations, including Assistant Manager for a seal rescue charity in Ireland.

Her work focuses on developing ethical, force-free, welfare-led training systems for psychiatric assistance dog partnerships. She works closely with trainers, veterinary professionals, and other specialists to maintain high standards of canine welfare, training, and member support across the PADs Foundation programme.

Dr Kim Thompson – Trustee

Kim joined the Board of Trustees of Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Foundation in August 2025, having been impressed by the commitment, vision, and welfare-led approach demonstrated by the charity’s founders in establishing and growing the organisation.

Now semi-retired, Kim brings extensive experience in general management, operations, and technical leadership across the food, drink, waste management, and biochemical genetics sectors. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the development, implementation, and commercialisation of innovative technologies, working within complex operational environments and multidisciplinary teams.

His professional background provides valuable expertise in operational delivery, resource management, organisational growth, governance, and strategic problem-solving. These skills support PADs Foundation as it continues to strengthen its systems, enhance governance, and expand its impact.

As a Trustee, Kim contributes to the charity’s strategic oversight, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources, helping to ensure the organisation remains resilient, effective, and focused on its charitable objectives.

Matt Sampson –  Treasurer

Matt pictured with his much loved dog Frankie and her friend Luna

Matt joined the Board of Trustees of Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Foundation in 2026 and serves as Treasurer. He is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) with more than a decade of experience in finance, accounting, and financial management. He has worked across both the manufacturing and service sectors, holding roles including Management Accountant and, most recently, Finance Manager.

Throughout his career, Matt has developed expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, governance, and organisational financial management. He has also supported local charitable organisations, contributing his financial and accounting knowledge to strengthen financial oversight and accountability.

As Treasurer of PADs Foundation, Matt provides financial oversight and supports the Board in ensuring the charity maintains robust financial governance, transparency, and responsible stewardship of its resources.

Cambridge