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Rob Burley
Charity sector senior leader specialising in policy, public affairs & campaigns. Dedicated and successful change maker.
Professional Background
Rob Burley is a remarkable senior leader with an extensive and accomplished career spanning over 15 years in the charity sector. His specialization in public affairs, policy formulation, and campaigning has equipped him with a unique skill set, allowing him to drive impactful changes and advocate for those in need. Currently serving as the Director of Campaigns for Care & Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK, Rob is dedicated to improving lives and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to essential services.
His previous roles include significant leadership positions such as the Director of Strategy, Public Affairs & Partnerships at Vinspired, and the Director of Campaigns & Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Society. As part of the Senior Leadership Teams at the UK's two leading charities, focused on hearing loss and dementia, Rob has honed his capabilities in creating and implementing integrated, evidence-based campaigns that resonate with both stakeholders and the public.
Education and Achievements
Rob’s educational journey includes participation in the inaugural year of Charityworks, the esteemed non-profit sector's graduate scheme, which has bolstered his leadership skills and understanding of charitable operations. He is now a Trustee at Charityworks, contributing to the organization's vision and strategic direction. In his quest for continuous improvement, Rob is currently undertaking the prestigious Clore Social Leadership Fellowship, which further develops his leadership capabilities within the social sector.
Rob’s portfolio showcases his commitment to advocacy and change. Through his exceptional understanding of public affairs, he successfully championed on-going access to NHS hearing aids despite proposed cuts, demonstrating a crucial advocacy for healthcare accessibility. His influential work also led to changes in legislation that improved broadcasting access for individuals with hearing loss— a testament to his strategic campaigning and partnership-building skills.
Media Presence and Public Speaking
An established media spokesperson, Rob has effectively communicated key issues to the public. His appearances on renowned platforms such as BBC Breakfast, the Victoria Derbyshire show, and BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours program highlight his ability to engage audiences and deliver compelling narratives that drive interest and support for the causes he champions. Rob’s experience in public speaking extends internationally, where he shares insights and fosters discussions on vital health and social issues.
Leadership Philosophy
Rob Burley embodies a leadership style rooted in collaboration, equality, and empowerment. He is committed to developing the teams he leads and ensuring that the voices of the people he represents are genuinely heard. His passion for advocating tangible impacts in campaigning and influencing is reflected in his strategic approach to leadership, where he empowers those around him to take action and enact change. Rob believes in fostering an inclusive environment where ideas from all individuals are valued and considered.
Achievements
Over the years, Rob has made significant strides in enhancing the support available to various communities. His achievements include:
- Enabling continuous access to NHS hearing aids during challenges related to funding cuts.
- Influencing legislative changes that significantly improve broadcasting access for individuals experiencing hearing loss.
- Enhancing support for armed forces personnel affected by noise-induced hearing loss, particularly through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
- Successfully advocating for an expanded age range in the NHS Breast Screening Programme, thereby increasing access to life-saving services for women.
Rob's expertise in forming and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including senior politicians and decision-makers, has been pivotal in securing these impactful changes. His commitment to advocacy work continues to inspire positive transformations within the charity sector, making him a well-respected figure amongst his peers and the communities he serves.