| New Future for Disability North |
|
To herald in a bright new era for the Newcastle based charity Disability North, David Barker MBE, has been elected as the new Chair of the organisation and Dianne Cowen has recently been appointed in the post of Disability North Manager.
David is the Director of Adult Services at The Percy Hedley Foundation, a North East based charity which aims to promote the rights, needs and aspirations of disabled people. In his role at The Percy Hedley Foundation, David’s responsibilities include employability, day services and residential services. David is also responsible for the Northern Counties College, where he was the founding Principal. David has had many years experience of senior management in a range of organisations including Reed in Partnership, Disability North and Mental Health Matters. He is a council member of the Tyne & Wear Learning and Skills Council, an LSC National Equality & Diversity Committee member and a board member of Equality North East. David also chairs the LSC National Mental Health Task Group. Speaking about becoming the newly elected Chair of Disability North David said “I am immensely proud to have been offered the chance to lead Disability North in this exciting time. We are all aware of the economic climate in which we operate however, I intend to ensure that Disability North develops into a stronger, more confident organisation”. David added “May I also take this opportunity on behalf of all involved with Disability North to express my thanks for the commitment, effort and enthusiasm of the previous Chair Arthur Scott, he will be a difficult act to follow!”. Dianne has worked for Disability North for 8 years as co-ordinator of the training and audit team. She has been successful in securing many contracts and developing sustainable partnerships with organisations from public, private and voluntary sectors. In relation to her promotion to Disability North Manager Dianne Cowen said “I am extremely passionate about disability issues and I am committed to the principles of inclusion for all. I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with the newly appointed chair, David Barker to support the vision and direction of Disability North and to create a new future for the organisation”. Disability North aims to promote inclusion, independence and choice for disabled people in the region, and provides free, impartial advice, support and information to anyone with an interest in disability.
|