Collective Voice appoints new Chair of Trustees

Collective Voice is delighted to announce the appointment of Rosanna O’Connor as its new Chair of Trustees.

Rosanna has held leadership roles across our sector, including in the voluntary sector and in local government, all focussed on championing the rights of disadvantaged communities to excellent services.

Rosanna left her role in the Department of Health and Social Care last year, having joined as Director of Addiction and Inclusion on the transfer of Public Health England into the department.  Rosanna will be known to some within the sector from her previous role as a director in the former National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse from 2003 to 2013.

She was a member of the Youth Justice Board from 2007 to 2013, chairing the Secure Estate Committee, and has been a Trustee and committee member of both national and local housing providers, as well as a founder member and chair of Worcester Women’s Aid. She was also the UK representative on the Board of the European Monitoring Centre for Drug & Drug (EMCDDA).

On her appointment, Rosanna reflected on her enduring connection with the third sector: “Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate of the right to opportunities for people experiencing harm from alcohol or other drugs.  I have championed the benefits of properly funded and effective treatment systems for individuals, families and communities, and the special place the voluntary sector has in ensuring the voice of service users is heard.

“As we approach another spending review, this is a crucial time to make sure that national and local government understands the importance and value of well-resourced and supported treatment and recovery services in delivering on their core Missions.

“I look forward to working as Chair with the board of trustees, using my independence and experience to strengthen the impact and influence of Collective Voice, helping to make a transformative difference to people’s lives.”

Clare Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at Turning Point, has been interim Chair since the first independent Chair of Collective Voice, Lea Milligan, so sadly died suddenly last year. Clare will now return to her previous role as Vice Chair.

Clare said: “I’m pleased to be able to hand over to someone with such knowledge and commitment to the field as Rosanna. It’s a good time for her to take on this role, as we look to work with a new Government and develop plans beyond our current 2022-25 organisational strategy.

“I’d also like to thank Vicki Beere for her support in taking on the role of interim Vice Chair.

“I look forward to welcoming Rosanna to the board and to working with her over the coming months and years.”

Executive Director Will Haydock said: “It has been a pleasure working with Clare, and I’m hugely grateful for her hard work and dedication, along with Vicki, in stepping up to provide stability and leadership for the organisation at a particularly challenging time.

“I am looking forward to working with Rosanna, who brings a wealth of insight and experience at a crucial time for Collective Voice and the field of substance use treatment more generally. I am sure that together we can make a real difference.”