New CEO announced for National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)

19 June 2024

NRAS is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Foxton as their new Chief Executive Officer, taking up his post on 29th July.

Peter will take over the reins from outgoing Clare Jacklin, appointed as CEO in 2019 but who has loyally served the organisation in several roles for seventeen years. Clare is retiring to Ireland where she has extended family and friends.

Peter will be the third CEO in NRAS’s 23-year history, Clare having succeeded NRAS Founder Ailsa Bosworth, MBE who started the charity back in 2001.

Peter was selected for the role by the NRAS Board of Trustees and Senior Management following a rigorous recruitment campaign supported by Berwick Partners Ltd, launched in January.

As the charity successfully concludes the programme of work under its current three-year strategy at the end of this year, it is a very appropriate time for Peter to join this leading patient organization as the team start to design a new 3-year strategy to run from 2025 – 2028.

Peter, who is currently Director of Income Generation at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, will be leaving the hospice after almost 14 years and is sad to be departing, but equally looking forward to the challenge of leading such a highly respected patient organisation.

Peter said “I will have a great deal to learn about the world of rheumatology, but I am excited about the prospect of leading a charity working in a new field. NRAS has achieved so much in its short life, and I feel I can harness my income generating skills and expertise to continue the upward trajectory of growing the organisation to reach even more people living with RA and JIA and the health professionals who care for them”

Ailsa Bosworth, National Patient Champion and Founder said “ Whilst I am so sad to say farewell to my friend and colleague Clare, after working so closely with her for 17 years, I am delighted to be welcoming Peter to NRAS and at the prospect of working with him, as I am sure he will bring a new perspective to our work.”

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society is the only patient organisation in the UK with a specific focus on rheumatoid and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (affects children and young people under the age of 16). In the organisation’s 23-year history it has been instrumental in significantly improving the lives of thousands of people living with inflammatory arthritis via their evidence-based information resources, community activities, campaigning and advocacy work.

This is an exciting and pivotal point in NRAS’ story and Clare Jacklin, outgoing CEO said “It was a really tough decision I made to retire this year as NRAS has been such a significant and rewarding part of my life that to leave will be a real wrench, but it is made much easier knowing I am leaving the organisation in safe and experienced hands with Peter. I wish him every success and hope that he finds the role as personally rewarding as I did. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to colleagues past and present, friends far and wide within the world of rheumatology for their support and friendship. I will truly miss you all. Good luck to you Peter, as you enter the next exciting chapter of your career in this important sector.”