United Response is a purpose-driven charity, delivering a wide range of support services to around 2,300 people with learning disabilities and mental health needs across England and Wales. They are driven by their vision of a society where everyone has equal access to the same rights and opportunities. As the organisation looks ahead to its next phase and the implementation of the Big Lives Plan, it has appointed a new Chair and Trustee to guide the organisation forward on its journey to ensure that people can live their lives to the full.
We are delighted to have supported the appointment of Owen Purcell as Chair of the Board of Trustees as well as Katie Tait as Trustee.
Owen brings over 25 years’ experience across professional services including roles at EY, Bear Stearns and Merrill Lynch as well as Board roles in the private, public and charitable sectors. Since 2019, he has been Chair of the Board of Trustees at AbilityNet, a national charity focused on digital inclusion, supporting individuals with disabilities and older people to access technology. Owen is proud to be taking on the role as Chair, and he is looking forward to supporting United Response to achieve their big ambitions to improve the lives of all disabled people.
Katie Tait is Chief Executive of Horatio’s Garden, a charity that improves the lives of people with spinal injuries by creating and nurturing gardens in NHS rehabilitation centres. She brings significant expertise to the Board from her time in journalism at The BBC and The Times and communications from her time at Maggie’s Centres. Katie is also a member of The Board of Trustees at The Charlie Waller Trust, a West Berkshire mental health charity raising awareness, fighting stigma and providing evidence-based training and free resources to support people in need.