Age UK's Governance: The Board of Trustees
At the top of Age UK's governance structure is its Board of Trustees. The trustees are volunteers who lend their expertise to monitor the charity's strategic objectives and ensure it operates in a legal, ethical, and financially responsible manner. They are legally and financially accountable for the charity's actions and ensure its core purpose of helping older people is fulfilled.
The board is responsible for:
- Setting the strategic direction and long-term vision of the charity.
- Ensuring sound financial management and governance.
- Overseeing compliance with charity regulations and legal requirements.
- Holding the Senior Leadership Team accountable for the charity's performance.
The Role of the Chair of the Board
The Chair of the Board of Trustees leads the board and plays a crucial role in providing leadership and strategic direction. As of recent updates, Toby Strauss serves as the Chair of the Board for the national Age UK charity. His role involves working closely with the CEO to guide the charity's overall strategy and performance.
The Senior Leadership Team: Managing Day-to-Day Operations
While the Board provides oversight, the day-to-day running of Age UK is the responsibility of the Senior Leadership Team. This team is comprised of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and several Senior Directors who oversee specific functions of the organization, such as finance, communications, and retail.
The CEO acts as the key link between the Board of Trustees and the staff, implementing the board's strategic vision and managing the charity's daily activities. Paul Farmer is the current CEO of Age UK, having taken up the role in October 2022. His background includes extensive experience in the charity sector, particularly in mental health, which informs his work in championing the cause of older people.
The Wider Senior Management Team
In addition to the CEO, other key members of the Senior Leadership Team include:
- Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director: Responsible for influencing work, including research, public policy, and campaigns.
- Vicki Thornton, Chief Financial Officer: Oversees finance, procurement, risk, and IT.
- Victoria MacGregor, Chief Network Officer: Manages the charity's relationship with its independent local partners.
A Federated Network: National vs. Local Age UKs
Perhaps the most important aspect of understanding who runs Age UK is recognising its federated structure. The national Age UK charity is part of a wider network of independent Age UK charities across the country, as well as partners in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
These local Age UKs (e.g., Age UK Wyvern, Age UK Cheshire) are distinct, independent charities with their own Boards of Trustees and CEOs. They work closely with the national brand but focus on providing services tailored to the specific needs of older people in their communities.
National Age UK vs. Local Age UKs
| Feature | National Age UK | Local Age UKs |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Governed by a single Board of Trustees and led by a CEO. | Governed by an independent Board of Trustees for each local charity. |
| Focus | National campaigning, policy influencing, and providing support services across the UK. | On-the-ground, community-specific services tailored to local needs. |
| Services | Operates a national Advice Line and other services accessible nationwide. | Provides services like day centres, befriending, and local information unique to their area. |
| Funding | Relies on public donations, retail profits, and grants to fund national work. | Funded by a mix of local donations, grants, and their own retail operations. |
| Independence | Central organization that supports the network. | Legally separate entities with their own management. |
The Evolution of Age UK
To fully grasp the organization's structure, it's helpful to look at its origins. Age UK was formed on 1 April 2009, from the merger of two well-established charities: Age Concern England and Help the Aged. This unification created a single, more powerful voice for older people in the UK. The merging of the national charities also led to the formation of national partners in Wales (Age Cymru), Scotland (Age Scotland), and Northern Ireland (Age NI), all of which work as independent charities within the Age UK family.
Accountability and Transparency
As a registered charity, Age UK is accountable to the Charity Commission and must operate with a high degree of transparency. All financial reports, governance documents, and details of trustees are publicly available. This transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that donations and resources are used effectively to achieve the charity's mission. The board and leadership team are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of older people and regularly communicate their strategies and achievements to the public.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach to Leadership
The question "who runs Age UK?" has a multi-faceted answer. It is run by a dedicated Board of Trustees who set the overall strategy and a Senior Leadership Team, headed by CEO Paul Farmer, who manages the day-to-day operations. This central team collaborates with a vast network of independent local Age UKs, each with its own leadership, to ensure that older people receive the support they need, both nationally and within their local communities. This collaborative, federated approach allows Age UK to maintain a powerful national presence while delivering highly personalised, local services. For more details on Age UK's national leadership, visit their official website at ageuk.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/directors-trustees/.
