Tracy to take on lead role at Sunderland Age UK

Tracy Collins, who will take over the role of director for Age UK in April once Alan Patchett has retired.

Alan Patchett is stepping down as director of Age UK in the city, with his deputy Tracy Collins to be the organisation’s acting director.

Chairman of trustees, Ged McCormack, said: “The Board of Trustees has decided to appoint Tracy to this vital role and we are confident in her ability to take the organisation forward.

Alan Patchett, director of Age UK Sunderland, who is to retire.

“Alan will be a hard act to follow but Tracy has the skills and experience to make a success of this role.”

Tracy has a background in public health and charity work, including working in a senior role for Age UK Northumberland before coming to Sunderland in June 2015 as the deputy director.

She said: “I am hugely excited by the challenge of taking the reins of an organisation that does so much to help and support the older people of the city.

“I have really enjoyed my time here and I am looking forward to the next phase with tremendous enthusiasm.

“The staff and volunteers at Age UK Sunderland do a fantastic job in making the organisation as successful as it is and I feel very proud and honoured to be leading a great team.”

Tracy takes control of Age UK Sunderland on April 1, once Alan has retired.

He said: “Having worked with Tracy for nearly two years I have got to know her well and I am delighted she has been given this opportunity to show her many skills and experience to best effect running this great organisation.

“I shall greatly miss Age UK Sunderland, the staff, volunteers and service users but I leave it in safe and competent hands.”