R&RA welcomes new trustees
R&RA are pleased to welcome five new trustees to our Board. Following an open recruitment process, our members elected the new trustees at our AGM in July.
Judy Downey, Chair of the R&RA said:
“I am delighted to welcome our five new trustees to the Board. Together, they will bring a wide range of knowledge and expertise from their varied backgrounds. Their collective wisdom and experience will undoubtedly strengthen and enhance the Board’s capacity in future.”
Introducing our new trustees
Susan Midha LLB (Hons) TEP, ACTAPS, Solicitor
“In my professional life, I advised many families about care for their loved ones which proved useful when my father went into a care home. But worrying about the effect of lockdown on his dementia, I found the resources provided by R&RA helped me enormously with the constantly changing Government guidelines. In applying to be a trustee, I wanted to use my experience to help it continue and expand its work in promoting high standards of care for all people who need it, in whatever setting and whatever their means, and providing compassionate support to their friends and families.”
Pete Storey
“I have worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, first at RNIB and then at the medical research charity, Kidney Research UK. When I retired, I decided I should use my experience in strategy and communications by helping another charity close to my heart. With my dad newly in a care home, I discovered the R&RA and soon after applied to become a trustee. What I have learned about the sector has made me determined to help push for beneficial change – it is long overdue.”
Stephen Burke
“I have more than thirty years’ experience working in and around adult care as a campaigner and communications professional, charity chief executive and trustee, local authority councillor and NHS board member. I have long admired the Relatives & Residents Association, its helpline and campaigning for better care. I look forward to helping the charity grow, raise its profile and reach more families.”
Samantha Williamson
“Someone to listen, to provide expertise and advice, to give us a voice at policy level. When faced with personal challenges which make us feel helpless and out of control, this kind of support is invaluable. It is also exactly why I wanted to become a trustee of R&RA. I am proud to contribute to the growth and strategic direction of a charity which empowers and represents the rights of older people in care and their families. I bring relevant personal, professional and academic experience, ranging from an investment banking career to public service work within Macmillan and the magistracy, and am privileged to have joined such a dedicated team.”
Sue Redmond
“At a time I most needed it, I contacted R&RA and was supported both by the responses I received and also by its ambition to improve care for older people. I feel committed now as a new trustee to helping many more people have that support and to raising the profile and quality of care for older people, and the status and respect of those who work with them. I have worked in health and social care services for over 40 years and have tried to do that in all my roles. I look forward to using those professional and personal experiences to work with the whole team and supporters of R&RA to make a difference.”