Chief Executive Claire Severgnini announces retirement

Chief Executive Claire Severgnini has announced she is retiring from the Royal Osteoporosis Society at the end of this year.

Claire has led the charity for 13 years, which has included the recent successful launch of the Osteoporosis and Bone Research Academy.

Her plans to retire were announced at the last Trustee Board meeting and the charity has now begun the process of finding her replacement.

Addressing her staff team today, Claire said, “After more than 30 years of working in the public sector, the NHS and finally as Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, I have decided to retire at the end of this year.

"I have been very fortunate to have had a varied and eventful career working wholly in support of others as a public servant and for the last 13 years, leading the Royal Osteoporosis Society.

“During my time as Chief Executive, with the amazing support of so many, there have been some incredible achievements for osteoporosis. I would like to sincerely thank you all for your support.

“Together we have built on the legacy of Linda Edwards and our founders who gave us a platform upon which to build. With ambition and tenacity, we have indeed achieved a great deal.

"It has been a truly incredible journey for me, leading the development of services at the charity to improve the diagnosis, treatment and support for those living with osteoporosis.

"Together, we have implemented an innovative grant scheme to increase the number of DEXA scanners in NHS sites to improve diagnosis and we have led a ground-breaking initiative to enable the growth of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in the UK.

"With the support of the ROS, there have been 29 new FLS services started across the UK in the last five years. The services have reached over 10 million people who wouldn’t have otherwise had access, estimated to have prevented over 3,200 hip fractures and saved the health economy £65m.

"I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved, with our collective efforts recognised this year as we became Royal Osteoporosis Society.

“The most rewarding experiences for me have always been those centered around meeting people. Those who have osteoporosis and freely share their experiences, the dedicated health professionals who truly want to make a difference and those who support the efforts of the charity by raising invaluable funds to continue the incredible work we all do.

“I am passionate about the cause and hope that, one day, a cure will be found. In the meantime, I ask that we all continue to support the development of new treatments and promotion of good bone health to eradicate the disease that affects over 3 million people in the UK alone.

“With a new strategic direction, the launch of ‘Royal’ and the world’s first dedicated Osteoporosis and Bone Research Academy, it’s an exciting time for the charity. With my heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation for all current and former colleagues for your support, wisdom and inspiration – and indeed, to everyone who is involved with the Royal Osteoporosis Society.”

Charity Chair, Kate Tompkins, commented, “It has been a pleasure for me as Chair to work closely with Claire over the last 7 years. Her commitment and leadership as CEO have been outstanding and she will be greatly missed.

"Claire leaves a significant legacy, the fracture liaison services, the new strategy, the launch of the Osteoporosis and Bone Health Academy and achieving a protected royal title to become the Royal Osteoporosis Society are some of the highlights.

"It is her dedication to the day to day work leading the organisation over 13 years that has been exceptional.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees can I give Claire our thanks and warmest wishes for her retirement.”