The Calico Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Gill Brown as its new Chair.
Gill has more than four decades of experience across housing, health, charity and community services throughout the North West. She has spent her career helping organisations improve people’s lives, strengthen communities and put the people they serve at the heart of decision making.
Gill served as a Non-Executive Director for Jigsaw Homes Group until earlier this year, and her current roles include Non-Executive Director positions at Halton Housing, and Deputy Chair of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Previously, Gill was Chief Executive of Healthwatch Lancashire, where she developed one of the largest local Healthwatch organisations in England.
Throughout her career, Gill has worked across housing, health and communities, helping organisations respond to changing needs while maintaining a focus on customers, patients, service users and local communities. She has also played significant leadership roles in major organisational mergers within both the housing and NHS sectors.
Gill Brown said:
“Calico’s social purpose and commitment to communities and customers really resonate with my own values. Having been born and raised in social housing, I’ve seen first hand the difference that good housing, strong communities and the right support can make to people’s lives. Those experiences shaped who I am today and continue to drive my commitment to creating positive social value in everything I do.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been focused on helping organisations provide the very best services for the people they support. I’m looking forward to working with Calico and helping to ensure it continues to be open, accountable and focused on making a real difference, while listening to the people and communities we serve.”
Anthony Duerden, Group Chief Executive of The Calico Group, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Gill as our new Chair. Alongside her significant experience across housing, health and communities, she brings values that closely align with our own.”
“What stood out throughout the process was Gill’s commitment to people, communities and creating positive change. At Calico, we believe our greatest impact comes through shared aims, values and culture, and we’re looking forward to working together as we continue to support people and strengthen communities.”
Gill succeeds Phil Watson CBE, who has chaired The Calico Group Board since 2020. The Group would like to thank Phil for his leadership, support and commitment during his time as Chair, and for the significant contribution he has made to the organisation’s development and success.
