David has recently stepped down as CEO of the Multiple Sclerosis Trust and as chair of the national umbrella group, the Neurological Alliance. His experience in influencing policy at a national level will help CDS champion the oral healthcare needs of people who are vulnerable and marginalised.
As a former director at the leading disability charity Papworth Trust, David focused on increasing the organisation's growth, impact and effectiveness, and is looking forward to enhancing the profile of CDS. “CDS is a fantastic organisation that makes a real difference in people’s lives by delivering the excellent oral health care they need to thrive and would otherwise be unable to access. I am looking forward to supporting CDS to demonstrate the real impact of the care it delivers.”
David has commenced his new role with CDS at an exciting time as the organisation develops its strategy for the next three years. In the coming weeks, David will be involved with supporting the executive team and board to develop the organisation’s strategic direction, focussing on being an employer of choice, building more partnerships within the new Integrated Care Systems, enhancing patient care through innovation and extending our influence to ensure the oral health care needs of community dental patients are understood by policymakers.
Helen Paisley, CDS CEO, said, “Having someone of David’s experience on the national stage, championing the care that our patients need, will be invaluable to us. This is a key time for CDS, when the business has grown significantly and gives us a real opportunity to focus on our development over the next five years, how we deepen relationships and demonstrate the impact of good oral health care for everyone, especially those who are more vulnerable.”
The social enterprise, which is 100 per cent owned by its employees, provides community dental services, oral health improvement and epidemiology surveys across much of the East Midlands and East of England. Patients typically have complex additional needs or are in locations that are difficult to reach, such as prisons or homeless shelters.
David takes over as chair from Janet Clarke, who served as the chair of CDS’s Board since 2019.