Diabetes UK has welcomed Dr Carol Homden CBE as its new Chair of Trustees. Dr Homden will be joining the charity on 1 January 2022.
Dr Carol Homden CBE has been Group Chief Executive of the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, the world’s oldest children’s charity, since April 2007 and has built the Coram group of children’s charities, quadrupling its turnover, and regenerated its historic campus.
Carol has led the organisation in achieving 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.
Before joining Coram, with a background as a journalist and in communications, Carol held senior marketing and public affairs roles at a number of organisations including The British Museum and the University of Westminster.
Carol is committed to enabling people living with conditions or disabilities to live well and increasing public understanding of them, serving as a charity trustee including ten years as Chair of the National Autistic Society.
Dr Homden succeeds Sir Peter Dixon, who has been Chair of the Diabetes UK Board of Trustees since 2013.
Alongside Dr Carol Homden, 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 joining the Board in early 2022.
Chris Askew OBE is Chief Executive of Diabetes UK. He 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.
“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.
“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.”