MAC-UK appoints new Chair and Vice Chair of Trustees

Paula Harriott and Ama Afrifa-Tchie have been appointed Chair and Vice-Chair of MAC-UK’s Board of Trustees.

MAC-UK builds Youth-Led Systems Change. Through a combination of youth work and community psychology, the charity brings young people’s voices into service design across mental health, justice, housing, education and social care. MAC-UK believes in meeting people in their place and at their pace and designing and delivering services with, not to or for, people.

Our search focused on identifying and engaging with individuals with experience of the systems that MAC-UK seeks to change.

Paula Harriott was appointed Chair. Paula has held board positions with a number of charities and is Head of Prisoner Engagement at The Prison Reform Trust. With extensive experience of developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships at all levels and with management skills within criminal justice and youth sectors, Paula brings a wealth of expertise to this crucial leadership position.

Ama Afrifa-Tchie joins as Vice Chair. She is Head of People, Wellbeing and Equity at Mental Health First Aid England, overseeing a wide range of experts and people-related specialisms. Her values alignment and knowledge of positive psychology-related systems change will be of real value to MAC-UK.

Ama remarked: “I'm excited about joining MAC-UK because of what they stand for, which is to transform the health, social and economic inequalities of excluded groups and excluded young people. This aligns with my own values and passion in advocating for change that delivers positive outcomes for both excluded young people and excluded groups.”

Paula commented: “Working with George has been amazing; helpful patient and clear in communication about the role and responsibilities. I am delighted to accept the position as Chair at MAC-UK, to support an organisation that frames itself as continually learning and dedicated to innovation. In a post-COVID world, that sounds like the journey I should be joining, sharing what I can to support them.”

Stephen Hyams, Trustee and member of the Selection Committee said of our partnership: “Tanya was extremely engaging and efficient, showing a good understanding of our requirements and working effectively with us throughout the process, providing effective guidance when appropriate. I had the confidence that she had a firm grasp of our requirements and a pragmatic approach to ensuring a good outcome. George appears to have done most of the work in talking with prospective candidates, and in that regard the outcome was terrific. We had a very strong field to choose from, which is ultimately what mattered.”