Mental health charity chair swaps boardroom for business director role

Chris Clarke has resigned from the board of Chasing the Stigma to become the mental health charity’s director of business and operational development.

His priority in the new role is to develop the charity’s strategy to tackle stigmas around mental health through developing digital support, training and consultancy services as well as awareness raising campaigns and lobbying.

He joins the charity’s staff at their head office in Liverpool and has since been replaced as chair by Edge Hill University sport and physical activity professor Andy Smith. He had been a trustee at the charity since its launch six years ago.

“Our new appoints this year enables us to be more strategic in the deliverance of our services across the mental health sector and the general public,” said the charity’s founder and chief executive Jake Mills.

“We also see this as an opportunity that allows us to focus on the relationships with our current partnerships, welcome new partnerships and refine our rapid growth.”

Clarke added: “I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders alike to ensure the charity continues to go from strength to strength in the coming years as the UK's leading provider of mental health training and community signposting services.

The moves are part of a wider reshuffle at the charity that also saw trustee Angela Samata become vice chair earlier this year.

Other senior moves this year have seen former fashion industry marketing expert Kate Auguste appointed partnership and communications coordinator.

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