With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.
CLAN Cancer Support has appointed a new chief executive. The leading north-east charity will welcome Dr Colette Backwell to the role, succeeding Debbie Thomson after more than 14 years in the position.
Dr Backwell, who will officially join the charity later this year, has over 20 years’ experience in policy development, research, industry support and business management within the charity, public and private sectors.
Her previous roles include director with the Scottish Food and Drink Federation as well as a number of senior public sector positions in the UK and Scottish Governments and in local government.
She has particular expertise in the challenges of service delivery in rural communities.
Dr Backwell is a member of the Scottish Rural Policy Centre’s Advisory Group as well as a visiting professor in the Institute for Management, Governance and Society at Robert Gordon University. She also sits on the Scottish Committee of the Institute of Directors.
Kenny Anderson, chairman of CLAN Cancer Support, said:
“Following a successful recruitment campaign for the post, where the calibre of candidates was extremely high, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Colette Backwell as CLAN’s new chief executive.
“Colette’s vast experience within the third, public and private sectors really does speak for itself and I look forward to working with her when she links up with the charity later this year. Colette’s strengths lie within leadership and organisational management and I have no doubt that she is the perfect person to oversee the next stage of CLAN’s journey.”
Dr Colette Backwell added:
“It’s an incredible honour to have been appointed chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support and I look forward to playing my part in continuing its reputation as a leading provider of free cancer support services across the north and north-east of Scotland.
“I have a strong passion for the role that the third sector plays in supporting local communities and it is obvious that CLAN is held in high regard by so many people across the areas it operates within. It’s an exciting opportunity for me and one that I can’t wait to get started with.”
CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety and stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.
Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.
For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org