Following a review over thelast six months Hafal is making changes in anticipation of expansion of itsactivities including the development of a National Recovery Centre withinpatient services.
The charity has recently completed purchase of the former GellinuddHospital in Pontardawe and is embarking on major works there as well as movingits headquarters to the site.
Meanwhile the charity is restructuring its senior managementto meet the challenges ahead. Specifically the charity is merging its twomost senior posts into one while developing a small team of senior managerswhich will include clinical leadership for the new hospital.
As part of an agreed succession plan Hafal’s Chief ExecutiveBill Walden-Jones is leaving Hafal to pursue new interests and, following afull assessment and interview, Trustees have appointed Deputy Chief ExecutiveAlun Thomas as Chief Executive from 1st December 2014.
Hafal Chair Elin Jones says: “Weare sorry to see Bill go but he was a strong advocate urging Hafal Trustees toaddress the need for a restructure and to deliver a planned succession insenior management. It is typical of Bill that after delivering amagnificent first ten years of operation of the independent charity he alsowanted to make sure that we got succession right. We are absolutelydelighted to appoint Alun in his place and they will work together to ensure asmooth transition.”
Bill Walden-Jones says: “This isa good result for all concerned, above all Hafal’s Members. I have hugelyenjoyed my time at Hafal but after 10 years (nearly 20 if you include the timewhen we were part of Rethink) I am keen to do new things and I am veryoptimistic for Hafal’s future under Alun’s tried and tested leadership. Iwill remain in touch and you won’t find a stronger supporter of this greatcharity!”
Alun Thomas says: “It’s aprivilege to follow Bill into this exciting role and I will work hard to ensurethe continuing success of the organisation. There will of course becontinuity in leadership, specifically the leadership of our mass membership:they will ensure that the organisation sustains its focus on what reallymatters – delivering hope and practical support to people with a serious mentalillness and their carers.”
AboutAlun Thomas:
· Qualified Nurse
· First Class Honours degree in Law
· M.A. in Ethics of Social Welfare
· 4 years managing independent-sector residentialservices
· 2 years as Hafal’s Programme Manager; 11 yearsas Hafal’s Deputy Chief Executive
· Direct responsibility for Hafal’s services inthe field and their rapid expansion over 10 years
· Spear-headed Hafal’s decisive evidence inParliament and the National Assembly on the (UK) Mental Health Bill in 2002 andthe Welsh Mental Health Measure.