New CEO meeting

Following a forty-year career in health and social care, public and voluntary sectors, Ruth stepped down as Chief Executive of Samaritans, UK and Ireland in Nov 2020. Ruth is currently the Chair of the Patient & Client Council for Northern Ireland, a public appointment. Chair Social AdVentures, a social enterprise based in Salford and Vice chair of Lloyds Bank Foundation.    

Ruth initially trained as a Registered General Nurse and worked in public health roles. Gaining a double First class degree in sociology and health & social policy progressing to gain a Masters degree in health promotion. Ruth has held senior leadership roles and trustee roles with UK remit in the voluntary sector, working with children, adults, and carers. Posts held included CEO of Relate and senior executive leadership roles at Rethink, Alzheimer’s Society and Scope. Previously Ruth was a founding Director of the Community Development & Health Network NI. Ruth is a listening volunteer with the Samaritans Newry branch, Northern Ireland with an additional responsibility of leading the training of new volunteers.  

Ruth was awarded the CBE for services to vulnerable people in 2019 and also the Royal College of Psychiatrists Presidents medal for services to people with mental illness. Ruth was awarded the Daniel Phelan award for outstanding achievement at the UK Charity Awards in 2022 (nominated and awarded by charity peers).