Barbara Young

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, joined the charity in November 2010. Barbara brings with her a wealth of experience, having held a range of posts in health organisations, including the Institute of Health Services Management, and having been a King’s Fund International Fellow.

She is a Trustee of the Imperial College Healthcare Charity, and was instrumental in establishing the Care Quality Commission, the quality regulator for health and social care, where she held the position of Chairman.

Barbara believes that diabetes is one of the most important health issues facing the UK today, and that the work of Diabetes UK is crucial in making a real difference to the lives of people with diabetes. On joining Diabetes UK, she said:

Barbara Young

Barbara Young

"Taking on the mantle of Chief Executive means consolidating and improving the good work the charity does. Diabetes UK has three strategic priorities to achieve – quality care for all, healthy lifestyle and research for a better life.

"Everyone who works and volunteers for Diabetes UK is involved in achieving these goals. Whether involved in lobbying local NHS providers or the Government, raising awareness, fundraising or providing support and information, everyone at Diabetes UK is working to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

"I will ensure that I lead Diabetes UK to achieve the three strategic priorities efficiently and cost-effectively, which will have the greatest impact on the lives of the people we represent."

As Baroness Young of Old Scone, Barbara has been a Life Peer in the House of Lords since 1997. She is also President of the British Trust for Ornithology; President of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough Wildlife Trust; Chancellor of Cranfield University; and a member of the Climate Change Adaptation Committee. This reflects her keen interest in the environment, particularly in birds and other wildlife.