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Drinkaware ‘radical’ overhaul after critical report
Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has announced a series of “radical changes” following concerns raised by a recent audit.
Drinkaware has announced a series of “radical” changes” following criticisms by a recent audit
And independent audit completed in 2013 criticised the charity for its lack of transparency and close ties with the drinks industry, from which it is funded.
The report therefore recommended Drinkaware to review its governance structures, resulting in the appointment of a new chairman and trustees.
Drinkaware has therefore limited the number of trustees from the drinks industry to two, claiming that “the ‘quotas’ of five industry and five ‘alcohol professionals’ from outside the industry are no longer appropriate”.
It has also begun to forge new partnerships with the public health community, including with the Royal College of General Practitioners and in Scotland.
Sir Leigh Lewis, former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, has been named chair of Drinkaware, while three new trustees have been selected to replace those retiring.
The report also recommended that the charity ensures its work is “rigorously researched and evidence based, with open reporting of outcomes”, with Drinkwares consequently claiming it has “commissioned significant new research from independent sources to help inform strategy and to focus its activities to have the most impact on harmful drinking”.
Derek Lewis, outgoing chair of the Trust, described these changes as representative of Drinkaware’s “coming of age”.
“The new board structure and governance arrangements represent best practice in not-for-profit organisations and will ensure that Drinkaware is equipped to play an increasing role in tackling alcohol harm in the UK,” he said.
The audit was overseen by an independent panel chaired by Sir Hugh Taylor, chairman of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
“I very much welcome Drinkaware’s response to the independent audit,” said Sir Taylor.
“The increasing emphasis on evaluation and evidence in its programmes, the fresh impetus being given to partnership working with external stakeholders and in particular the new governance arrangements are all very positive developments, on which the new leadership of the organisation can build.”