Statement from our Vice Chair, Martin Broad

18th January 2024

On behalf of Community Action Network, I pass on to you all that our long-standing Chair, Hazel Walker, has decided due to health reasons to step down with immediate effect.

Hazel has served the wider voluntary and community sector for a long time. Many will remember her dedicated work as Chief Executive of Age Concern, Bournemouth.

In more recent times, Hazel as Chair of the Trustee Board oversaw the merger between Bournemouth CVS and Poole CVS. Her calm professionalism and affirming open approach, paired with clear vision and a respect for all with whom she worked, led to a smooth and successful transition.

She worked with our Chief Executive, Karen Loftus to form Community Action Network, and has overseen our growth and success in championing Dorset’s charities and community groups. She was there for trustees and staff through the pandemic, enabling CAN to work tirelessly to support our local community, mobilising thousands of volunteers to support people in their homes and through the vaccination programme. Her calm and wise support was central to the success of this life saving work.

CAN and the wider sector across Dorset will miss her greatly.

It has been my privilege to work with Hazel through quite a few of those years and as Vice Chair. I can assure you that for the immediate future, as I take on the role of Chair, I can guarantee that our Chief Executive, Karen Loftus and all of the diverse staff team will maintain excellent operations and continue to work with me and my fellow Trustees. Enabling as always, day to day support for all in the wider voluntary and community sector, and our public sector colleagues.

In the meanwhile, if anyone has any questions about the on-going work of CAN, then please do get in touch with me as the interim Chair pmartinbroad@yahoo.co.uk or the Chief Executive, Karen Loftus Karen.loftus@can100.org

We wish Hazel all the very best and say a massive thank you for all she has achieved in her time as a Board member and Chair.

P Martin Broad.