Following the sad and unexpected death of previous Chair Prof Isabelle Szmigin in December 2024, the Board of Trustees have elected Mick to serve as Chair. Mick joined Alcohol Change UK in October 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from previous roles in policing, community projects and the charity sector.
Mick Urwin is a retired Police Sergeant who specialised in alcohol harm reduction, creating policies and strategies to tackle underage drinking and alcohol related anti-social behaviour and violence in the night-time economy. He was a member of the National Police Chiefs Council Licensing and Alcohol Harm group, advising the Chief Officer lead and Home Office. Mick is currently an advisor to his local Police & Crime Commissioner as a subject matter expert on alcohol harm.
Welcoming Mick’s appointment, Chief Executive of Alcohol Change UK, Richard Piper, said: “Having already contributed hugely to the success of Alcohol Change UK as a trustee since October 2022, I am delighted that Mick stepped up to put his name forward to take on the role of chair. While this was in difficult circumstances, following the sudden death of our wonderful, previous chair Prof Isabelle Szmigin, I was pleased that three of our current board members put themselves forward for consideration. Mick was elected with the overwhelming support of his fellow board members, who saw that he will bring his passion, expertise, and brilliant listening and relationship management skills to the role.”
