New Appointments at Wheelchair Alliance

The Wheelchair Alliance, an organisation which champions the needs of wheelchair users across England, has appointed a new chief executive officer and chair.

Nick Goldup, a co-founder of the Alliance, takes on the new role as chief executive officer, having previously undertaken the roles of chief operating officer and chair.

With a wealth of experience as a director within the charity sector, including six years as director of care improvement at the MND Association plus five years at Whizz-Kidz, he will continue to utilise his skills to help drive forward positive change in wheelchair provision.

“It’s a huge honour to be taking on this important role,” said Nick.

“As a community interest company we continue to work hard to transform the experiences of wheelchair users via improved access, quality and effectiveness.

“Within a very short period of time, our brilliant team have already driven our growth to represent the voice of 150,000 wheelchair users, launched a new website and membership model, and produced three independent reports, which were funded by the Motability Foundation. 

“We have also launched our manifesto for change, raised awareness through the media and worked hard to form new partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations to drive change.

“Our latest efforts have involved urging the Government to urgently act on an update to the Using Mobility Scooters And Powered Wheelchairs guidance. We have also just held our first All-Party Parliamentary Group for Wheelchair Users, which will enable us to get the voices of wheelchair users heard at the highest levels of Government. We won’t stop until they are fairly represented.”

Karen Pearce (pictured above), a fellow founding member and former project manager of the Wheelchair Alliance, takes over the role of chair from Nick.

With over 30 years of NHS experience at clinical and managerial level, alongside seven years as director of care for the MND Association, she will continue to support Nick and the Alliance in lobbying for wheelchair users to further strengthen their voice.

The two appointments come at a pivotal time for the organisation, which was set up in 2015 to strengthen the voice of wheelchair users who face significant challenges when it comes to accessing wheelchair services.

For further information visit www.wheelchair-alliance.co.uk.