Diabetes UK appoints new Chair of Trustees
A leading diabetes charity has announced that Dr Carol Homden CBE will become its new Chair of Trustees in January 2022.
Dr Homden CBE will succeed Sir Peter Dixon as the latest Chair of Trustees for Diabetes UK, a top diabetes charity in the UK.
With a background in communications, Dr Homden CBE has worked in the marketing departments for several organisations, including The British Museum and the University of Westminster.
Since 2007, she has been the Group Chief Executive of the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children and has built the Coram group of children’s charities, quadrupled its turnover, and regenerated its historic campus.
Carol has led the organisation to achieve Investors In People Gold status and in developing the group’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan, identifying the need for culturally sensitive approaches to the different ways in which families and individuals face barriers to inclusion.
Carol is committed to enabling people living with conditions or disabilities to live well and to increase public understanding of them, serving as a Chair of the National Autistic Society for 10 years.
Alongside Dr Carol Homden CBE, Diabetes UK has also appointed five new Trustees to the Board, bringing with them a range of experience across the healthcare, research and financial sectors. Professor Linda Bauld OBE, Michael Gibbs, Alexandra Lewis and Dr Asiya Yunus have recently taken up their new roles, with Dr Sarah Ali set to join the Board in early 2022.
Chris Askew OBE, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK said: “On behalf of everyone at Diabetes UK, I am delighted to welcome Carol as our new Chair, and to warmly welcome our five new Trustees to the Board.
“All six bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise from a number of sectors, which will guide our charity’s work in the years to come.”
He added: “Under the guidance of a strong and dedicated Board, led by our outgoing Chair Sir Peter Dixon, we have successfully navigated the many challenges of the pandemic and provided vital support to the diabetes community.
“It is an exciting time to welcome them all, and we look forward to bringing new perspectives and skills to our Board, as we work towards achieving our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.”
Dr Carol Homden CBE said: “Diabetes affects more people than any other serious health condition and it is a privilege to join Diabetes UK during the centenary of the discovery of insulin.
“Since my son was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes earlier this year, I know only too well what this means for individuals and families.”
She added: “Diabetes UK plays an ever more important and vital role in providing support and information to all who need it.
“I look forward to working with the whole Diabetes UK community, as we work together to address the challenges of living with the condition and supporting research to discover new treatments.”