Mark Moody, Chief Executive
We can't use the word 'unprecedented' anymore, but this is a pretty unique time in our sector.
COVID has rocked our already stretched health and social care system to its core. Demand for our services is increasing. And there's a growing recruitment crisis that's not going away any time soon.
But it's not all doom and gloom.
Dame Carol Black's recommendations paved the way for an ambitious 10 year drug strategy, a new Joint Combating Drugs Unit, and substantial new investment. And the emphasis on understanding and responding to local needs signalled by Integrated Care Systems may shake up commissioning in ways that I think all of us would welcome.
These initiatives represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift policy and practice not just across drugs and alcohol treatment, but in the way we think about and design services for some of the most vulnerable people in society.
All of which means there's a lot to do in a very short space of time.
As the largest providers in the sector, Change Grow Live's focus in the coming months is to build a stronger national profile and partnerships that will help us use our expertise and scale to influence policy, shape practice, and exploit the opportunities we now have to design better, more effective services.
Given the scale and urgency of these tasks, I decided to introduce a Deputy Chief Executive role to lead on strategy, partnership development and communications and external affairs - areas that, as a delivery-focused organisation, we have not paid enough attention to in the past.
I'm pleased to say that following a rigorous selection process, we were able to appoint an internal candidate, Executive Director Nic Adamson, who will start her new role in May.
Those of you who know Nic know that she will hit the ground running and bring her energy, insights, and passion for people who use our services to the role. I hope you get the chance to meet and work with her in the very near future.
Share this story: