OCD Action is proud to announce the appointment of Piers Watson as Chair Emeritus, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees.
This honorary and ambassadorial role has been created to formally recognise Piers’s extraordinary service and lasting contribution to the charity over more than three decades. Piers has served as a Trustee of OCD Action for over 30 years, including a substantial period as Chair of Trustees, during which his leadership helped shape and steer the organisation through significant growth, change, and increasing impact, supporting 1000’s of people with OCD to access the treatment that they need and to find community and support.
Throughout his time with OCD Action, Piers’s abiding commitment, calm leadership, and deep understanding of the charity’s mission have played a central role in building the organisation we see today.
Announcing the appointment, Kath Howell, said:
“I am pleased to announce a new role in the charity. After thirty plus years as a trustee and former chair of OCD Action, Piers – whose unwavering and stable commitment has played a significant part in shaping the organisation we see today – is to become our Chair Emeritus. While no longer a trustee, he will use this new role to maintain and enhance our relationships with stakeholders, old and new. He also hopes to be a visible advocate for the charity in the public sphere, elevating awareness of our services and of OCD itself. We are delighted that Piers’s counsel and experience will remain a valuable resource for the trustees.”
The role of Chair Emeritus
The Chair Emeritus position sits outside the charity’s formal governance structure. Instead, the role is designed to provide continuity, ambassadorial leadership and strategic support, particularly in relation to external engagement and fundraising.
Piers will play a key role as a senior ambassador for OCD Action, strengthening and developing relationships with supporters and partners, as well as represent the charity at public events and high-level meetings.
Reflecting on his appointment, Piers Watson said:
“I am very pleased to become Chair Emeritus of OCD Action. My involvement with the charity has been a hugely rewarding part of my life and it is wonderful to see how far the organisation has come. We are truly indebted to the dedication, devotion and innovation of all our staff and volunteers. While I am standing down from any executive role, my commitment remains undimmed. We all know how much more there is to do!”
The Board of Trustees is delighted that Piers has accepted this role and that his wisdom, experience and passion for OCD Action will continue to support the charity as it looks to the future. His ongoing involvement ensures that the values, history and ambition of OCD Action remain strongly connected as the organisation continues to grow its reach and impact.