Juliet Tizzard joins Parkinson's UK as Director of External Affairs and Communications

Parkinson's UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Juliet Tizzard as Director of External Affairs and Communications. This is a newly created role, as the charity has brought together its policy and communications teams into one directorate.

Juliet is currently Director of Policy and Partnerships at the Health Research Authority. She leads work to make research visible, involving and participant-centred. She has previously held policy, communications and strategy roles at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, where she worked for nearly a decade, and the British Medical Association. At the heart of her approach is working with people and communities to ensure that health services and research are built around their needs.

Juliet said:

"The opportunity to join Parkinson’s UK was one that I jumped at. The passion, openness and boldness that I have seen from the charity and the Parkinson’s community at large is very impressive. I’m thrilled that I get to be part of that. There’s lots still to do to make sure that people with Parkinson’s are not forgotten or overlooked by society and decision makers, but the will to achieve this is evident.

"This is a very exciting time to be joining the fantastic team at Parkinson’s UK and I can’t wait to get started at the end of July."

The new External Affairs and Communications directorate is responsible for making sure that the needs of people with Parkinson’s are being considered UK-wide and locally, as decisions are made about healthcare, welfare and research funding. The team works with partners across the UK and the globe to influence key stakeholders. They’ll continue to increase understanding of the condition and inspire people to take action to transform life with Parkinson’s, through bold campaigns and communications.

Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said:

"I’m excited about this new role and Juliet’s appointment. After a period of uncertainty and change in the external world, Parkinson’s UK needed to change how we were structured so that we could respond to the opportunities and challenges that we’re now presented with, with a bold, unified voice that will deliver real impact for the Parkinson’s community. With Juliet’s appointment, we have someone with incredible experience in health and research organisations bringing vision and leadership. 

"Juliet impressed all the groups she met as part of the interview process, from colleagues to members of the Parkinson’s community. Her ability to ask the challenging questions and to really grasp what our community and audience needs, really stood out. Her approach to co-creating work with those at the heart of the issue, entirely reflects our values and approach. I’m looking forward to welcoming her into the charity."