Dignity Ambassadors

The Dignity in Care Network has been very fortunate to have had two vocal promoters of the campaign.

 

Baroness Joan Bakewell

In 2015 the Dignity in Care Network announced Baroness Joan Bakewell as our Dignity Ambassador, taking over from Sir Michael Parkinson.

Baroness Joan Bakewell was approached by the National Dignity Council to become the National Dignity Ambassador and act as a figurehead for the Dignity in Care Campaign. Baroness Joan has agreed to help raise the profile of the campaign by bringing it to the attention of the public.

Baroness Joan said:
"I am delighted to be associated with the Dignity in Care Campaign and the efforts it makes to understand and promote dignity. This is done with tenderness and generosity. Wide may its influence spread."

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Baroness Joan for taking on this responsibility, and appreciate the many years she spent as the National Dignity Ambassador, promoting the importance of treating everyone in care with dignity and respect.

 

 

Sir Michael Parkinson

Sir Michael Parkinson, was named as Dignity Ambassador on 20 July 2008 at the launch of the Dignity Tour at Guy's and St Thomas Hospital London.

Sir Michael was approached by the previous Minister for Care Services, to become the National Dignity Ambassador and act as a figurehead for the Dignity in Care Campaign. Sir Michael agreed to help raise the profile of the campaign by bringing it to the attention of the public.

Sir Michael said:

"I am honoured to take on this role as Ambassador for the Dignity In Care Campaign. I have always had immense respect for the contribution older people have made to our country. Like many others I have experienced the care system in the past as the son of elderly parents.

Dignity is about being treated as an individual with respect and compassion. I intend to use my role to make a real difference and ensure the issue of dignity moves to the heart of all NHS and care services."


Whilst acting as the Dignity Ambassador, Sir Michael joined the previous Minister for Care Services on the National Dignity Tour where he has visited different care settings, spoke with champions and users of care services, and the media. He also spoke at several key events and conferences and helped the campaign secure awareness through media coverage.

Sir Michael produced a report published in January 2010 aimed at the public, it higlighted his observations in his time as Dignity Ambassador.

The Dignity in Care Network thanks Sir Michael for everything he has done in his time as the Dignity Ambassador. Sir Michael Parkinson remains one of the 30,000 plus committed Dignity Champions.