Independent Age, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life, is announcing a change in its trustee leadership.
As of September 2024, Baroness Julia Neuberger DBE will step down as Chair of the Trustee Board and pass the baton to Richard Anderson.
Baroness Neuberger, who has been the Chair of Independent Age’s Trustee Board since 2019, remarked:
“It has been a profound honour to lead the Independent Age Board of Trustees, particularly as we moved towards a renewed focus on supporting and improving the lives of older people in poverty. Sadly, the spectre of older-age poverty continues to loom over our society. Around two million older people are now living in poverty, and worryingly, more than half experience deep poverty, unable to meet the most basic needs for a decent quality of life. Working with my fellow trustees, staff and volunteers, we have laid a strong foundation for continued impact, and I am confident Richard will continue this work with his passion and expertise.”
Incoming Chair Richard Anderson, currently Chair of Trustees at Bowel Cancer UK and an Independent Age Trustee since 2020, is a stalwart supporter of the charity’s aim to improve the lives of one million older people facing financial hardship by 2027. With over three decades of advisory experience, he is poised to steer the charity to the next stage in its development.
On his appointment, Richard Anderson said:
“As Chair of Trustees, I am looking forward to working with our colleagues, supporters, and partners who are tirelessly improving the lives of older people in poverty. I am energised by the opportunity to lead the board, grow our impact, and build our reputation across the poverty and older people’s sectors.”
Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE expressed her gratitude and anticipation:
“Julia’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in directing our focus towards the most pressing challenges faced by older people. With Richard’s strategic insight, I am excited for what the future holds as we strive to reach and improve the lives of one million older people by 2027.
“Independent Age will continue to offer indispensable support through its helpline, expert advisors, grants programme and policy campaigning, impacting local organisations and individuals alike. We remain committed to our vision that no one should endure financial hardship in later life. Our trustees' collective experience and dedication, both outgoing and incoming, ensure our charity is well-placed to make significant strides towards achieving our goal.”
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Notes to editor
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Amy Dodge, Media Communications Manager at Independent Age, amy.dodge@independentage.org 07732 691466
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