Brook welcomes Dame Sally Dicketts as our new Chair

Brook is delighted to have appointed Dame Sally Dicketts as our new Chair. The appointment comes as we embark on our bold new vision through our 2023-26 strategic plan.

Dame Sally has more than 40 years’ experience as a senior leader in schools and colleges. Most recently, she spent 18 years as the CEO of Activate Learning, a group of educational provision, during which she transformed the organisation leading several successful mergers and winning five Beacon Awards.

A keen advocate for vocational education, Dame Sally is Chair of Learning with Parents and The Education & Training Foundation, a Council member at the University of Bradford and was the President of the Association of Colleges from 2020-2022. In recognition of her services to education, she was awarded a CBE in 2013 and a Damehood in the New Year’s Honours 2023 List.

Dame Sally brings to Brook her passion for developing cultures of independence, connectedness and participation.

Dame Sally said,

“I am honoured to be joining Brook at this important and exciting time. I admire the work that Brook does to educate and empower young people and local communities, providing safe spaces and non-judgmental support to those that need it most. Sadly, we still live in a society where stigma is fuelling health inequality and I share Brook’s fearless passion to fight for change.”

I look forward to supporting Brook’s board, executive team and expert workforce to break barriers and provide lifelong support that meets the diverse needs of service users.

Helen Marshall, Brook’s Chief Executive, said,

“Brook exists to fight for everyone’s right to safe, confidential, inclusive healthcare, no matter who they are. We are delighted to welcome Dame Sally as our Chair to steer Brook towards our vision. We have a proud history as sexual health and wellbeing experts, and we pride ourselves in listening, adapting and responding to the evolving needs of local communities.

Our next chapter will see us shout louder about the interplay between physical, mental and sexual health and fight even harder for equitable access to high quality, comprehensive and inclusive relationships and sex education. We welcome Dame Sally’s passion, expertise and leadership.” 

Dame Sally is successor to Scott Bennett, who has stepped down after over 20 years’ involvement with Brook, and nearly seven years as Chair. During this time, Brook has delivered two ambitious strategies and expanded its clinical, education, wellbeing, participation and advocacy work, improving the lives of millions of people in England and Wales.