Barbara Young appointed new chief executive at Diabetes UK

Barbara Young has been appointed Chief Executive at leading health charity Diabetes UK. She will take up the position on 1 November.

Barbara brings a wealth of experience having previously occupied senior roles in the health, voluntary, public and government sectors.

She started her career in the health service with a range of posts in operational management, strategic planning and service development. In 1985, she was appointed Chief Executive at Parkside Health Authority. She has also held the position of Chief Executive at RSPB and the Environment Agency. She led the establishment of the Care Quality Commission, the quality regulator for health and social care. Her current non-executive roles include Chancellor of Cranfield University, Trustee of Imperial Healthcare Charity, President of the British Trust for Ornithology and she is a Life Peer.

Barbara said: “I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to lead Diabetes UK. There is no doubt that diabetes is one of the most important health issues facing the UK today and is a growing challenge for the future. I’m looking forward to taking on that challenge and helping to make a real difference to the lives of people with diabetes. With 2.6 million people diagnosed with diabetes and a further 500,000 who remain undiagnosed, the work of the charity is crucial.”

Professor Sir George Alberti, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Diabetes UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Barbara to Diabetes UK and we are certain that she will lead the organisation to deliver our plans and objectives in improving the lives of people with diabetes. Her vast experience will certainly bring a broad and guiding vision to the organisation.”