Clarke Carlisle appointed Chair of Mind
Mind, the UK’s leading mental health charity, has today announced the appointment of Clarke Carlisle as its new Chair. The former professional footballer and prominent mental health campaigner joins the Board of Trustees with immediate effect and will succeed Stevie Spring CBE as Chair following a short handover period.
Following a 17-year playing career in which he made more than 500 appearances and earned three England Under-21 caps, Carlisle has established himself as a leading national voice on mental health. A long-standing Mind Ambassador, he has spoken openly about his lived experience of depression, suicide attempts, alcoholism and gambling addiction, helping to challenge stigma and drive change across sport and society.
Since retiring from football, Carlisle has built a distinguished career across the third sector, public sector and corporate environments. His roles have included Chair of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Chief Operating Officer of It’s Mental, and advisory work with organisations such as the NHS, Premier League, EFL and HSBC. He currently leads business development at Betknowmore UK, a charity supporting people affected by gambling harms.
Combining lived experience with academic and professional expertise, Carlisle holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling, is studying for an MBA, and has spent more than seven years advising major organisations on mental health, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion. His governance experience also includes chairing the Board of Trustees at Kaleidoscope Plus Group and contributing as an expert advisor to government through the Fan-led Review of Football Governance.
Commenting on his appointment, Clarke Carlisle said:
"To be appointed Chair of Mind is, without exception, the single greatest moment of my professional life. I am both humbled and blessed to be given this opportunity to serve this wonderful organisation, one that is absolutely pivotal in my own mental health recovery and ongoing wellness.
“Stevie Spring has masterfully guided the organisation through a complex and challenging period of restructure and adjustment, and we are eternally grateful for her leadership of the past eight years. It is on the shoulders of this giant that I am privileged to launch from, as we look to guide Mind into a new season, one with a clarity of identity and purpose.
“I can’t wait to get working alongside the brilliant Dr Sarah Hughes. We will align passion and purpose to ensure that Mind remains at the cutting edge of thought and action, meeting the people of the UK right where they are, identifying the very thing they need, exactly when they need it.”
Stevie Spring CBE, outgoing Chair of Mind, said:
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Mind, and I am delighted to be handing over to Clarke. He brings compassion, credibility and courage, alongside a clear understanding of Mind’s mission and values. His lived experience, leadership and ability to reach people who are often underserved will be invaluable as Mind continues to evolve. I will be leaving the organisation in strong hands.”
Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
“I’m delighted Clarke will be joining as Chair. This is an exceptional appointment for Mind at a pivotal moment. Clarke has been a leading voice, campaigner and advocate on mental health for many years, and this, alongside his considerable strategic and governance experience, means he will be a strong partner for our executive team. I can’t wait to get started together as we continue to push for timely, high-quality mental health care.
“Stevie has been a wonderful Chair and a true partner to me as CEO, and I know how big the shoes are that Clarke is stepping into. I’m confident he will bring the courage, warmth and ambition needed to build on the brilliant foundations we already have, while helping Mind continue to grow and evolve.”
