Alternative Futures Group appoints new Chair of Trustees

North-West health and social care provider, Alternative Futures Group (AFG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Walsh OBE, as its new Chair of Trustees.

Brian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having spent over 35 years of his professional career working in social care, academic institutions, health and the charity sector. He is an experienced and respected Chair of learning disability and social care charities and retired from his role as Executive Director of Adult and Children’s Social Care in 2015.

He has previously chaired the board of Keyring (a national charity for people with learning disabilities) and represented the ADASS Executive Group in England (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services).

Brian currently chairs the board of QUAD, an independent arts, digital media and exhibition centre in Derby. He is keen to see how the 2 charities can work more closely together to promote the arts and  use of digital technology to enhance further independence and choice for people who access AFG services.

Brian took up the role of Chair of Trustees at AFG in November 2021 and will succeed the outgoing Chair, Chris Hannah, who has served the Board for eight years.

Welcoming Brian to his new appointment, Ian Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer of AFG said: “Our Trustees play such a vital role in supporting the best interests of AFG and we are delighted that Brian is joining us as Chair. His substantial leadership experience in the third sector along with his influential adult social care experience will be invaluable in supporting AFG to reach its ambition to become “the market leading provider of innovative and digitally-connected support for our people.”

Commenting on his new appointment, Brian Walsh added: “Taking on the role of Chair of Trustees at AFG is a real honour for me. The work that the charity and its support workers carry out changing lives and providing greater outcomes for the people they support, particularly in these challenging times, is outstanding.  I am looking forward to working alongside the other Trustees and the Executive Team and also hope to meet many of our amazing staff and people we support over the coming months.”