Diabetes UK is the largest charity in the UK working for people with diabetes. With a turnover of c £30m, over 170,000 members and a strong regional network including national offices in England, N. Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the organisation is well placed to work for people with the condition, their carers, family and friends. Diabetes UK represents the interests of people with diabetes by lobbying the government for better standards of care and the best quality of life, and funds research with the ultimate aim of finding a cure.
With the previous Chair, Professor Simon Howell, nearing the end of his successful tenure in Spring 2009, Diabetes UK were looking for a successor who could provide leadership to the Board in its role of setting the strategy and policy of the charity. The challenges of this voluntary role were compounded by Diabetes UK’s ambitions for strategic growth despite a tough economic environment, the breadth of its remit, and the complexity and scale of the organisation’s national structures. Potential candidates needed to possess exceptional gravitas, strategic leadership and change experience, and the ambassadorial qualities that would enable them to represent the organisation with credibility, while bringing a dynamic approach and understanding of the sector.
Building on an established relationship with Diabetes UK and the successful appointment of their Director of Relationships and Marketing, Veredus managed an advertising campaign and in-depth search at the most senior levels across government, private, health and education sectors. A diverse range of candidates were presented to the Appointments Committee, bringing a mix of styles and approaches, from commercial sector leaders to senior figures with distinguished careers in public service.
The Trustees were able to select a Chair with an ideal background in Professor Sir George Alberti, who is internationally renowned in the field of diabetes and the wider medical community. His distinguished career includes being President of the Royal College of Physicians, and the National Director for Emergency Access and Service Reconfiguration at the Department of Health. He is also an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle and Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College.
A former President of the International Diabetes Federation and Chair of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Sir George has been involved in both research and clinical roles, with extensive committee work for the NHS and the World Health Organisation.