Healthwatch Rochdale appoints new chair of the board

Margaret Parker

Healthwatch Rochdale has appointed Margaret Parker as its new chair of the board, to help lead and steer the direction of the organisation and oversee its governance.

A board member since August 2020, Margaret succeeds interim chair of the board, Ben Greenwood.

Margaret brings a wealth of experience to her role with 35 years’ professional experience in education and social care supporting children and families, including roles as a teacher and a social worker. The majority of Margaret’s working career was spent in management and senior leadership roles

Initially joining the Healthwatch Rochdale board of directors due to personal and family experiences of health care, Margaret said of her appointment: “I am delighted to take on this new role as chair and I am looking forward to working with the hardworking, enthusiastic staff team and the committed members of the board to offer the support, leadership and direction to deliver our statutory obligations and respond to the needs of the local community to have quality health and social care services that meet what they want.”

Stepping down from his current role of interim chair back to vice chair, Ben Greenwood said: “Margaret will take over from me as interim chair until the board endorses her appointment at the next meeting.

“I will return to my role as vice chair and look forward to supporting Margaret in her new role.

“I am really looking forward to working with Margaret on improving health and care services in the borough and delivering for the residents of Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton.”