The Trustees of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) are pleased to announce the appointment of John Heritage as VODG’s new Chair of Trustees.
John is Chief Executive of David Lewis, a provider of services to people with epilepsy, learning disabilities, autism and other complex support needs. He is an experienced leader with over 20 years’ experience in the voluntary sector and the NHS, working in operations, commercial and business development roles delivering mental health, learning disability and community services.
On being appointed as VODG Chair, John says:
‘I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair at an exciting but challenging time for our sector, and to be working alongside my fellow trustees, VODG’s chief executive Dr Rhidian Hughes, and the leadership team.
‘The ethos and values of VODG, and the principles on which it is run, always putting disabled people first, has never been more needed. VODG matters because our members across the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sectors, share and uphold those beliefs.
‘I have always been impressed by VODG’s reach and its convening power. It creates the space for VCFSE leaders to think together, collaborate and carry what they learn into the very best services and support, national policy and guidance.
I very much look forward to continuing to support VODG’s vision and mission at this exciting time of change.
Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of VODG says:
‘John's appointment is good news for VODG. He knows the organisation from the inside, as a trustee, as Vice Chair and as a member Chief Executive, and he brings the stewardship a membership charity needs: operational pragmatism, strategic clarity and a genuine advocate for the people our members support.
‘He takes up the chair as VODG continues to grow in size, scope and influence, and as we begin a period of strategic development that will ask members directly where they want VODG to focus in the years ahead. I look forward to working with John and all our trustees as members shape what comes next.’
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Notes
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The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) is the membership body representing over 145 voluntary sector organisations who support and work alongside disabled people. The combined turnover of our member organisations is £2.8 billion, employing 85,000 staff who support more than one million disabled people.
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For more information please contact Sarah Woodhouse, Director of Policy and Influencing, VODG by emailing [email protected] | 0330 043 1273 | 07955 145520