Lynda Williams takes over from Mary Curran who was Evolving Communities CEO from April 2018 to February 2019.
Lynda comes to Evolving Communities with extensive experience in developing and managing organisations. She has spent the majority of her career in the charity sector working across many service areas ranging from community action and capacity building to youth homelessness and the criminal justice system. She has also run women’s domestic abuse services and refuge accommodation.
Lynda spent the past three years as the CEO of bibic, a charity giving practical therapy to children with a wide range of conditions including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury and ADHD. She led bibic through a complete organisational review followed by a transformational change programme resulting in more diverse service delivery offer for long term sustainability.
Moving to Somerset from Wales five years ago, Lynda hopes to develop the team at Evolving Communities. She said:
“Evolving Communities covers two areas; one being directly related to engaging local people to ensure their voice is heard by those responsible for commissioning and delivering health and social care services, resulting in change to reflect this. Equally important is the ability of Evolving Communities consultancy team to offer independent research and evaluation of services for both private and public bodies.
“My vision is for Evolving Communities to remain a respected professional organisation which continues to develop and become the automatic choice for commissioners when contracting independent research and evaluations or delivering Healthwatch contracts. I intend to increase capacity and reach in both areas.”
During her first 100 days at Evolving Communities, Lynda will focus on listening and learning in order to understand the whole of Evolving communities and all its facets. She continued: “I want to get to know my teams, understand the work and the challenges faced across the different areas and how we can increase capacity. I will start to formulate the outcomes for next 12 months.
“I am really excited about starting this role and the opportunity to build on the excellent foundations already in place and to continue and grow the respected work of Evolving Communities. I look forward to understanding the individual Healthwatch areas which we serve, and I will endeavour to ensure that we address the local priorities identified by local people and that their voice is heard by those who have the power to change and deliver.”
Ian Price, interim CEO said:
“We are delighted to welcome Lynda Williams to Evolving Communities as our new CEO. Lynda brings a wealth of experience to the role and under her leadership we’re looking forward to continuing to expand our work in improving health and social care services for all.”