Governance review 2007
Diabetes UK is changing the way it engages with people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals.
Following a year-long consultation process, new governance arrangements will allow more people to influence and to support the leading diabetes charity in the UK.
Members of a new Advisory Network will be recruited later this year from all sections of the diabetes community. This Network will allow people to participate flexibly in consultations and focus groups, sharing their personal or professional experience of the condition and its related complications.
The UK Advisory Council (UKAC), which currently provides advice about the Charity’s strategy and elects and holds to account the Board, will be reduced from 110 to 50 members. However, expert working groups and national advisory councils will be expanded to provide specific advice about issues relevant to people living with diabetes. The UKAC will consist of two councils, one for people living with diabetes and one for healthcare professionals.
The Council of People Living with Diabetes (CPD) is a new and influential body that will advise the Charity on the realities of living with diabetes. CPD will be a diverse group, made up of people from across the diabetes community.
The Council of Healthcare Professionals (CHP) will continue to ensure that the Charity benefits from experts in diabetes care and research.
Finally, a new Trustee recruitment process will ensure that the Board retains and secures the right skills to successfully lead the Charity. External advertising will widen the pool of potential applicants. Voluntary groups will no longer have a ring-fenced position on the Board. However, all Trustees will continue to be volunteers who have a demonstrable commitment to the mission of Diabetes UK.
For further information, contact the Governance Team (tel: 0207 424 1000, email: governance@diabetes.org.uk)