Richard Brook to leave Mind

After four and a half years as Mind's Chief Executive, Richard Brook will leave the mental health charity in February 2006 to become the Chief Executive of the Office of the Public Guardian and Public Guardian (designate), marking an important step towards implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Speaking today Mind's Chief Executive Richard Brook said:
"I have found working for Mind tremendously exciting and challenging at this significant time for mental health. I have valued Mind’s determination to speak out on behalf of the 1 in 4 people who experience mental distress, and know the organisation will continue to strive to change public perception and raise awareness of the many current issues."

David Henry, Chair of Mind's Council of Management, said:
"Richard Brook's legacy to Mind and to the mental health sector in general is difficult to summarise in a few words. His personal commitment has been huge, and he has been dedicated to Mind's campaigning role, ensuring that the voice of the service user drives our work.

Mind has moved on enormously during Richard's tenure as Chief Executive. His contribution has been invaluable in enhancing Mind’s reputation as a robust, outward-looking and campaigning charity. His drive to guarantee that users are listened to over issues such as drug regulation, mental health legislation and provision of appropriate health services has been key to Mind's recent development. We wish him well in his new role.

Mind’s trustees are determined to identify a successor who will continue to champion the key mental health issues of the day in a similarly robust fashion."

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Notes to Editors:
1) The post of Chief Executive of Mind will be advertised in national media and on Mind's website shortly.
2) For pictures of Richard Brook and/or further information, contact Mind Press Office T: 020 8522 1743; E: press@mind.org.uk
3) For information about Mind see the website: www.mind.org.uk