New CLIC Sargent Chair appointed, Sir David Haslam

CLIC Sargent has appointed its new Chair of the Board of Trustees, Professor Sir David Haslam who will take up the role in January.

Sir David joins CLIC Sargent from his most recent role as Chair of the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and will take over from current Chair of Trustees, Peter Hollins who announced his intention to step down earlier this year after almost six years at the charity.

Earlier in his career, Sir David was a GP for 36 years in Cambridgeshire and was later President and Chairman of Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners, President of the British Medical Association, and a vice-chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

Kate Lee, Chief Executive of CLIC Sargent said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Sir David will be joining CLIC Sargent. He brings with him a wealth of NHS knowledge and networks which will help us on our mission to make sure that everyone diagnosed with cancer under-25 gets the support they need.”

Sir David was diagnosed with cancer of the tonsil in 2018, an experience which he says motivated him to join CLIC Sargent: “I once calculated that in my career as a doctor I had carried out about a quarter of a million consultations, including all too many with remarkable children and young people with cancer. I’m embarrassed to say that it was only after my own recent personal experience of cancer that I first fully understood what the experience of treatment might really be like. Clinicians, parents, patients, and families all have expertise. All need support. It’s a tough area, but it’s one where we can really make a difference.”

He said that he “jumped at the opportunity” to work with CLIC Sargent, adding: “Having cancer is bad enough. Experiencing it as a child or young person can be devastating, and the emotional and practical consequences affect entire families.”

Outgoing Chair of the Board, Peter Hollins joined CLIC Sargent in 2014 after a successful career which saw him hold a range of senior roles in industry and as Chief Executive of The British Heart Foundation. In 2016 he was appointed Chair of Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Peter announced his intention to step down earlier this year and Sir David was appointed after a rigorous recruitment process.

Peter said: “It has been a huge privilege to have been chair of this fantastic charity which has done what it has for young lives affected by cancer. I have met so many inspiring children and young people. I will miss both them and the amazing CLIC Sargent team enormously.”

Kate Lee said: “Peter has been the most incredible Chair and shown such drive and commitment over five years to make sure that we can be there for children and young people with cancer across the UK. He’s led CLIC Sargent through exciting times such as the expansion of our Homes from Home programme as well as overseeing our new direction and rebrand and our incredible Morrisons partnership.”

Sir David will join other new starters among the trustees, including Farrah Kitabi and Niamh Lawlor who joined after trustees Graham Clarke, Ian Gibson and Keith Exford stepped down from their roles in September.

Niamh is a qualified accountant and Finance Director at Tesco plc. During her 20 years at Tesco, she has worked across multiple departments in senior finance roles including retail, online and property. She has also been involved with CLIC Sargent for the past two years working with the executive team as an independent member of the finance committee.

Farrah is a senior audit manager at Sayer Vincent, an award-winning firm of chartered accountants with a focus on charities and social enterprises. Farrah has worked in the charity sector for 15 years and as well as her experience at Sayer Vincent, she has worked in the finance team at the NSPCC. Farrah is a qualified chartered accountant and has a Diploma in Charity Accounting.

 

ENDS

Notes to editors

For more information please contact Caroline Clancy on caroline.clancy@younglivesvscancer.org.uk or call  020 8752 2855.

About cancer in children and young people

Today, 12 more children and young people in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Although survival rates are over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK.

About CLIC Sargent

When cancer strikes young lives CLIC Sargent helps families limit the damage cancer causes beyond their health. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading charity for young cancer patients and their families. We provide specialist support, to help and guide each young cancer patient and their family. We will fight tirelessly for them, individually, locally and nationally. For more information, visit www.clicsargent.org.uk

Note to sub editors

Please note that the name ‘CLIC Sargent’ should not be abbreviated to CLIC, and that the word ‘CLIC’ should always appear in capitals, as above.