Carers UK is delighted to announce that Nick Baird CMG CVO has been appointed chair elect of the national charity supporting unpaid carers.
Nick Baird will begin his role in October 2020, taking over from Professor David Grayson CBE who has served in the role since 2012.
Nick brings a wealth of insight and experience to the charity, having previously held a number of senior positions within Government, leading the former UK Trade and Investment department and serving as HM Ambassador to Turkey. He has spent the last six years leading the global communications, public affairs and responsible business activity of the international energy company Centrica.
At Centrica he has played a leading role championing the rights of unpaid carers in the workplace, helping to establish flexible working and carer-friendly practices within the company as well as amongst UK employers.
Nick joins Carers UK at a crucial time as the charity sets out its strategy, Vision 2025, and determines how it will best support unpaid carers out of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the future.
Nick Baird said:
“The COVID19 crisis has highlighted even more the vital role of unpaid carers and the importance of supporting them effectively. As someone - like so many - with personal caring responsibilities, I am delighted to be joining Carers UK to help drive our campaign forward.’
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Nick Baird as Chair of our Board of Trustees and I’m confident his knowledge and passion will help us drive forward our vision for a society that respects, values and supports unpaid carers.
“Our Vision 2025 will be about futureproofing Carers UK so that it meets the needs of carers in the future. Nick’s experience will not only help us develop a robust and ambitious plan, but also help us deliver it. I very much look forward to working with him.
“I’d like to thank David Grayson for his hard work and dedication to making life better for carers over the last eight years. I know that he will remain a passionate supporter of Carers UK.”
Nick Baird’s appointment comes after an extensive recruitment process by the executive search firm Peridot Partners.