Announcing the new Helpforce Chief Executive

We are delighted to announce that Mark Lever, CEO of the National Autistic Society since 2008, will be joining Helpforce to take up the new role of Chief Executive in June 2019.

Mark has huge experience running organisations in the third sector. Most recently, at the National Autistic Society he has helped to push for major changes in autism policy and understanding, leading the cross-sector campaign for the Autism Act 2009 and the Autism Hour initiative. He has also helped the organisation grow its schools and education services, with three new schools and three new mainstream school units opening under his leadership. Mark has overseen a diversification in the organisation’s income, growing fundraising and trading income so the charity can continue to provide support to people through its helpline, online information and branch network.

Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Founder and Chair of Helpforce, said:

“This is a hugely exciting time for volunteering in the NHS, the energy and momentum for bringing more volunteers to our health service is growing rapidly. As Chief Executive of Helpforce, Mark will work with our excellent team, and in particular Paddy Hanrahan, Managing Director, to embed a strategic direction which harnesses the new momentum. He will ensure Helpforce delivers on its promise to create better experiences of healthcare for patients; more structured roles for volunteers; and more time for healthcare workers to focus on delivering the incredible work they’ve been trained to do.

We are very much looking forward to Mark joining us, and feel fortunate to have attracted an individual with such high calibre experience in the voluntary sector, and an in depth understanding of government and health and social care.”