Introducing our New Chair – Dr Sri Kalidindi CBE
We are delighted to announce that Dr Sridevi Kalidindi CBE – Consultant Psychiatrist and previous Associate Medical Director at the South London & Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust – has been appointed as an Independent Chair of Trustees of the Association of Mental Health Providers, the only national representative organisation for voluntary and community sector providers of mental health and wellbeing services.
Following a competitive selection process, Dr Kalidindi will take over from Stephen Shrubb as Chair in September following a short transition period.
Speaking about the appointment, Rachel Peacock, The Association’s Trustee and Chair of the recruitment panel said:
“The Board is thrilled to have appointed Sri as its new Chair, and we know that she has the knowledge and experience of the mental health sector in abundance. Sri’s exceptional track record in a wide range of areas gives her a wealth of understanding and skills to bring to the role and we are confident that Sri will successfully lead the Board, team, and organisation through the next stage of our evolution.
“The Board would also like to thank Steve for his dedicated stewardship which has helped the organisation continue to flourish over the last four years. Steve has been a compassionate and supportive leader, and we are grateful for his commitment to our work. On behalf of The Association’s staff and trustees, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Sri welcomed the new opportunities the role brings, commenting:
“I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed as the incoming Chair of The Association. I have long admired the work that The Association successfully carries out on behalf of its members; increasing the impact and influence they have at all levels, to best support those who need their services. The current programmes of work are particularly impressive and far reaching. It is the essential national voice of the VCSE sector. I look forward to working with Kathy and the team, the Board, members, and wider stakeholders, on the next important leg of the journey.
“Steve has been an impactful and highly regarded Chair of The Association. He has led the Board and the organisation, along with Kathy, the CEO, to deepen its reach and relevance with apt and highly effective programmes of work and setting an ambitious strategic direction. He, with Kathy and the Board, has ensured a voice for The Association`s members, at the key decision-making tables, to better support the people and communities we serve. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for his dedication, and I look forward to taking up the baton and building on the successes.”
Kathy Roberts, Chief Executive of The Association, commented:
“We are delighted that Sri has been appointed as the new Chair of The Association’s board of trustees. Sri brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight, and her passion and commitment to mental health as well as the VCSE sector is unparalleled. The work of The Association has never been more important, and Sri’s thoughtful leadership and support will enable us to continue supporting our membership and advocating for the sector. We have enjoyed working with Sri in various capacities over the years, and the team and I now looking forward to working closely with Sri in the next stage of our development.
“We would also like to extend our gratitude to Steve as he steps down from his role. His unwavering support and leadership of the organisation and board will be missed. Our heartfelt thanks to Steve for his contribution to the continued success of the organisation over the last four years and we wish him all the best for the future.”
In addition to her role as Consultant Psychiatrist, Sri is also currently the National Clinical Lead for Mental Health Rehabilitation for the Getting It Right First Time programme with NHS England and Improvement, and a Leadership and Executive Coach. Sri has a raft of skills and expertise relevant to the role at an international, national, and local level.
Throughout her career Sri has always understood what an invaluable role the VCSE sector plays, in providing person-centred, recovery focused care for those with mental health conditions. Her involvement ranges from being the clinical lead on the, at the time, largest, mental health alliance between an NHS Trust and VCSE organisations through the Lambeth Rehabilitation Alliance, to jointly influencing the understanding of the importance of supported housing for people with mental illness, successfully lobbying for national policy change to ensure their sustainability. Sri has regularly included VCSE sector colleagues in conferences to showcase their work as it is her strong belief that it is through such partnership working, that those we serve, receive care, support and treatment that is personalised, joined up and empowers people to live fuller, healthier, more connected, and happier lives.
Sri was awarded ‘Psychiatrist of the Year 2017-`18 by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and remains a spokesperson for the College, strongly advocating for good mental health services, for the population. Sri was also honoured with a C.B.E in 2019 for services to Rehabilitation Psychiatry.