Centre for Mental Health is delighted to welcome Dr David Woodhead as our new Associate Director of Research on the retirement of Dr Graham Durcan, who will remain with the Centre as a Senior Fellow.
Dr Graham Durcan will take on the new role of Senior Fellow following his retirement from full-time work after more than 25 years working at Centre for Mental Health. Graham will continue to lead the Centre’s research on criminal justice and mental health.
Dr David Woodhead will be joining Centre for Mental Health as our new Associate Director of Research. David will head the Centre’s research team and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, having previously worked in health services, local government, universities and voluntary sector organisations.
Centre for Mental Health Deputy Chief Executive Andy Bell said: “We are delighted that Graham Durcan will be staying with us after his retirement from full-time work, and welcoming David Woodhead to the Centre’s research team.
“Graham Durcan’s research has been at the heart of the Centre’s work for more than 20 years. His pioneering research into criminal justice and mental health has made the case for large-scale change and reform, supported the creation of liaison and diversion services nationwide, and helped to bring about better support for people in prison and police custody. He will continue to lead the way in expanding our knowledge and understanding of what needs to change to support mental health and justice.
“David Woodhead has an outstanding track record of research and evaluation across the health system. He is a staunch advocate of health equality and has worked with a wide range of organisations to understand what makes a difference to people’s health and wellbeing and how services can respond better to people’s needs. He will lead our growing research team, working across a wide range of issues and projects, all with a focus on mental health equality and social justice.”
David Woodhead said: “I am thrilled to be taking up the role of Associate Director of Research for Centre for Mental Health and look forward to working with the team and drawing upon my skills as a researcher and experiences as a service user.”
