Meet Paul Farmer: The Chief Executive of Age UK
Paul Farmer assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Age UK in October 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous position as CEO of the mental health charity Mind. During his 16-year tenure at Mind, Farmer became one of the longest-serving chief executives in the charity sector, and his work there helped bring about significant shifts in public attitudes toward mental health. His deep-seated commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and driving positive social change is a core part of his transition to leading Age UK.
His appointment was seen as a strategic move to leverage his expertise in advocacy and influence to benefit older people. Age UK Chairman Toby Strauss noted that Farmer's background in mental health, combined with his dedication to the needs of older people, made him an ideal candidate to lead the charity. Farmer's motivation for the role stems from his personal experiences and his recognition of the best and worst ways older people are treated in society, and he is keen to play a part in changing those experiences for the better.
Paul Farmer's Vision and Strategic Priorities
Since taking charge, Paul Farmer has focused on strengthening Age UK's strategic direction to meet the pressing needs of older people. His vision is shaped by a desire to ensure older people are valued, included, and respected within their communities. Some of his key priorities include:
- Enhancing Integrated Health and Care: Drawing on his prior experience in mental health, Farmer is dedicated to influencing policy that ensures better-integrated health and social care for older people.
- Combating Loneliness and Isolation: Age UK's services are a lifeline for many, particularly post-pandemic, and Farmer is committed to expanding vital services that tackle loneliness and social isolation.
- Driving Ambitious Strategy: Working with the senior leadership team, he aims to shape and deliver a strategic transformation programme that will position Age UK for future challenges and opportunities.
- Influencing Policy and Public Affairs: Through effective advocacy and communication, Farmer seeks to change policies and practices to better serve the needs of older people.
The Structure of Age UK's Leadership
While Paul Farmer is the Chief Executive of the national Age UK charity, it's important to understand the broader federated structure of the organization. Age UK operates through a network of local charities across the country. This means that while Paul Farmer leads the central, national body, many individual Age UK branches have their own independent CEOs and leadership teams.
Key Figures in the National Leadership
In addition to Paul Farmer, the national team includes several other key directors who are instrumental in guiding the charity's work:
- Caroline Abrahams – Charity Director: Oversees research, public policy, and campaigning efforts.
- Victoria MacGregor – Chief Network Officer: Brings extensive experience from Citizens Advice to strengthen the charity's network of local partners.
- Anthony Jones – CEO, Age Co: Leads the commercial arm of the charity, which generates income to support its services.
- Donna Marshall – Chief People Officer: Responsible for ensuring Age UK is a rewarding and inclusive workplace for its staff and volunteers.
Comparison: National vs. Local CEO Roles
| Feature | National Age UK CEO (Paul Farmer) | Local Age UK CEO (e.g., Age UK Cheshire) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Leads the overarching national charity, sets broad strategy, and influences UK-wide policy. | Leads a specific, local branch of Age UK, focusing on community-level services. |
| Focus | National campaigns, research, policy influencing, and overall brand management. | Direct service delivery, local fundraising, volunteer management, and community engagement. |
| Reporting | Reports to the Board of Trustees for the national charity. | Reports to the Board of Trustees for the local branch. |
| Example | Drives national campaigns to raise awareness about elder abuse. | Manages a local befriending service or day centre in their specific area. |
How Age UK's Leadership Drives Impact
The diverse expertise within Age UK’s leadership is critical to its success. Paul Farmer's strategic background, combined with the skills of his fellow directors, ensures the charity's mission is pursued on multiple fronts. For instance, the Chief Network Officer strengthens ties with local branches, ensuring a cohesive and effective national-local support system. At the same time, the Fundraising and Engagement Director works to secure the financial resources needed to sustain and expand the charity's services.
This multi-faceted approach allows Age UK to address the complex challenges faced by older people, from financial struggles and health issues to social isolation and bereavement. The leadership's ability to coordinate national advocacy with tailored local support is what makes the organization so effective in improving the quality of life for millions.
Conclusion: The Future of Age UK Under Paul Farmer
Paul Farmer's leadership marks a new chapter for Age UK, building on a strong foundation while introducing a fresh perspective informed by his successful tenure at Mind. His appointment signals a renewed focus on strategic transformation, integrated care, and ensuring that older people's voices are heard. With a dedicated senior team and a robust network of local charities, Age UK is well-positioned to continue its vital work under his guidance. By focusing on both national policy and local service delivery, the leadership team ensures the charity remains a powerful force for positive change in the lives of older people across the UK. For more information about the Age UK leadership team, you can visit the official Age UK website.
