Syncora has announced that Sallie Bridgen has become Chair of its Board, succeeding Richard Jones CBE.
Sallie has been part of the Syncora Board since 2021 and previously served as Vice Chair. She takes on the role after several years supporting the organisation’s growth and development, working alongside Richard and fellow Board members.
Speaking about the role, Sallie was clear about what’s at the heart of her approach:
“I know that listening to our current and potential customers is key. I want to ensure the Board get out and meet as many of our colleagues and customers as possible, visiting the services and seeing first hand the difference we make.
“In this way, I see my role as building on Syncora’s existing strengths, supporting what’s already working well, while helping us stay ambitious, focused, and ready for the future.
“I want to continue to maximise our impact in communities, by focussing on these strengths and core mission while building our collaboration and partnerships.”
Sallie said she is looking forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders across Syncora and The Calico Group as the organisation develops its future plans. Her priorities include strengthening partnerships, ensuring services remain person centred and preventative, and making the most of the wider Group’s strengths and connections.
Welcoming Sallie to the role, Sarah Swanson, Executive Director of Syncora, said:
“I am looking forward to working more closely with Sallie in her role as Chair, Sallie has played an active role in shaping what Syncora is today and the difference our services make to thousands of people.
“Sallie is always keen to spend time in services, hearing directly from our colleagues and people accessing services, this enables a greater understanding of the current challenges and opportunities and provides greater connection for board members.”
Sallie succeeds Richard Jones CBE, who has chaired the Syncora Board since the organisation was formed in 2018. During his tenure, Syncora has grown and changed, while continuing to support people through services across recovery, domestic abuse, employability, care and support.
Sarah commented:
“I would like to thank Richard Jones CBE as his tenure as Chair comes to an end, Richard has been instrumental in nurturing Syncora, bringing the individual specialist charities together in order to maximise our impact. Richard led with compassion and integrity, steering Syncora through many successes and some challenging decisions.”
Paying tribute to Richard, Sallie said:
“Richard has always kept the focus on what really matters, improving people’s lives. His breadth of knowledge across housing, health and social care has been invaluable in helping the Board take a strategic view across the complex mix of services and geographies in which Syncora works. He has played an important role in shaping developments such as Dovestone Gardens and our care offer, while also providing thoughtful leadership and strong governance through some difficult decisions when services have come to an end.
“Above all, what has stood out to me is the way Richard leads: with compassion, inclusion and integrity. He has a quiet, consistent way of bringing people with him, and that has made a real difference to the Board and the organisation.
“On a personal note, Richard has been a huge source of support and encouragement to me, for which I’ll always be grateful.
“Thank you, Richard, and very best wishes for whatever comes next.”
