Charity Founder, Ailsa Bosworth MBE steps down after 18 years as CEO26 June 2019Ailsa Bosworth founded NRAS, the only patient-led UK organisation with a focus specifically on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), in 2001 and has served as CEO for 18 years. She has made a huge contribution not just to NRAS but to the rheumatology community in the UK and Europe. She was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to rheumatology. Ailsa, despite her own aggressive RA, is not going to retire but will be taking on a new role for NRAS as their National Patient Champion. This will enable her to continue some of the innovative projects already in progress as well as represent the patient voice for NRAS at home and abroad. Prime Minister and Maidenhead MP Theresa May, the charity’s patron, said: “I first recall meeting Ailsa over 18 years ago when she told me of her struggle with rheumatoid arthritis and her desire to make a change for others living with the condition. “I was delighted when she asked me to be a patron of the newly formed National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society which she was setting up and I remain proud to be a patron today. “Despite someone in the UK being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis every 20 minutes, this serious auto-immune disease is still frequently misunderstood. I am glad I can contribute to raising awareness of the impact of this awful condition. “I look forward to continuing to work with NRAS as a patron and would like to take this opportunity to praise Ailsa for her commitment and dedication over the years. I wish Ailsa all the best for her future work as National Patient Champion.” Incoming CEO, Clare Jacklin added: “Ailsa’s work ethic, devotion and focus on the needs of those living with these complex conditions are exemplary.” “She has been a mentor to me, and others, and her influence has made an indelible impact on all NRAS staff as well as our members and volunteers. I want to thank Ailsa for all she’s done for the thousands of people living with rheumatoid arthritis and NRAS over the years. I am honoured to have been selected by the Board of Trustees during the succession process to follow in Ailsa’s footsteps. “It is a privilege to be part of an organisation that delivers high-quality services and innovative solutions to meet the needs of those living with, and the health professionals treating these incurable, auto-immune conditions. “We are a patient organisation led by a purpose – to make a positive, meaningful impact that is reflected in our mission to Change Minds, Change Services and Change Lives which will ensure people can live full and active lives despite living with RA or JIA. I will do my best to serve the charity and the rheumatology community by leading this wonderful organisation and continue to challenge the status quo; empower and educate individuals to better self-manage their disease and strive for equity of access to best care for all.” Ailsa Bosworth, MBE said: “I can think of no-one I would entrust more than Clare to take over as Chief Executive and lead NRAS forward into what is going to be a challenging future with the current pressures on the NHS and a changing political situation. Clare’s experience as Director of External Affairs and more recently as Deputy CEO, combined with her 12-year career with NRAS, make Clare the right person to lead NRAS into its next exciting chapter. “I think it must be quite rare that a retiring CEO can confidently hand over their organisation to someone they not only trust and respect but can call a life-long friend.” NRAS Chair of Trustees Gordon Taylor added: “Beyond serving as a leader, Clare brings a unique approach to the rheumatology environment, having had a true multi-faceted career journey.” “I am excited to work with Clare as we continue to deliver high quality, meaningful projects and resources that raise the bar in care for those living with RA or JIA. “Ailsa has overseen a charity that has consistently evolved to meet new challenges, grasping the opportunities to engage with members and supporters online while continuing to provide comprehensive support through our telephone helpline and volunteer network.” Professor Peter Taylor, MA PhD FRCP FRCPE, NRAS Chief Medical Advisor and Norman Collisson Professor of Musculoskeletal Sciences and Fellow of St Peter’s College Oxford, Head of Clinical Sciences, Botnar Research Centre said: “It is with huge pleasure that I pay tribute to a truly remarkable person, Ailsa Bosworth MBE. Having faced the tremendous challenge of living with rheumatoid arthritis, Ailsa founded NRAS with a view to providing invaluable help and support for people living with this condition as well as for families and friends. “The charity has gone on from strength to strength. It now also supports young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Beneficiaries have access to a wealth of resources to help them understand their condition and to work with their healthcare providers to get the most out of medical management and live as full a life as possible. Ailsa herself is an inspiration to us all! “She is a dynamo of energy and a compassionate visionary whose work has changed the face of rheumatology care, of which promoting and participating in the development of national guidelines and quality standards is just one of numerous examples. “Throughout her leadership, Ailsa has worked tirelessly to educate the public about inflammatory arthritis and its sequelae and to have a major influence on policy makers. “As Ailsa now moves on to a new role within the charity she founded, a remarkably vibrant organisation, NRAS will continue to work to support, encourage and improve specialist hospital services as well as enhancing the lives of those living with inflammatory arthritis. “Countless of us have reason to be profoundly grateful to Ailsa for all that she has nurtured and inspired to enrich the lives of so many while personally exemplifying that the challenge of chronic disease can be turned into an opportunity for enormous good while living life to the full!”