“This is a crucial time for the sector, as patterns of supply and use of substances continue to change, notably with the increasing prevalence of synthetic opioids in the UK and the growth in alcohol-related deaths in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Collective Voice plays a key role in helping the sector navigate these challenges and maximise its opportunities, and I look forward to driving this work forward.”
Collective Voice is delighted to announce that Will Haydock will be joining the organisation as Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs in July.
Will is currently Local Systems Lead in the Joint Combating Drugs Unit, the cross-government team set up to oversee the development and delivery of the 2021 drugs strategy. Will has worked on the issues surrounding alcohol and other drugs from a range of perspectives throughout his career – first as an academic researcher looking at alcohol policy and people’s drinking practices, then working in local government as a commissioner of drug and alcohol treatment services. He was one of the founding members of the English Substance Use Commissioners Group, has been a trustee of Alcohol Change UK, and is currently a trustee of the New Directions in the Study of Alcohol Group.
Reflecting on his appointment, Will said:
“I am hugely excited to be joining Collective Voice as its new Director. I am passionate about improving the lives of people affected by the use of alcohol and other drugs, and the voluntary sector has a crucial – and unique – role in this work.
“This is a crucial time for the sector, as patterns of supply and use of substances continue to change, notably with the increasing prevalence of synthetic opioids in the UK and the growth in alcohol-related deaths in the aftermath of the pandemic. The political and funding landscape is also developing, with the continued expansion of services through drugs strategy funding, even as we approach a general election and spending review.
“Collective Voice plays a key role in helping the sector navigate these challenges and maximise its opportunities, and I look forward to driving this work forward.”
Collective Voice Interim Chair Clare Taylor said:
“The board is delighted to welcome Will Haydock as the new Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role from working across the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery system. His knowledge and expertise will ensure we are able to represent and support the sector at a time of political uncertainty and likely transition and act as a leading voice for the ongoing systems change and sustained investment needed in the sector in order to see more lives transformed. We look forward to working with Will and are confident that he will lead Collective Voice further forward through our next phase of development.”
Will picks up the reins of Collective Voice from Jess Mullen who is moving on to become Chief Executive at the Alliance for Youth Justice.
Outgoing Chief Executive Jess Mullen said:
“Working with and alongside voluntary organisations, supporting people who want to change the way they use drugs, to access the services they need has been a privilege. The knowledge, expertise and passion that resides in this sector is impressive and I know that by drawing on this, and the experience Will brings to the organisation, Collective Voice will continue to go from strength to strength.”
