Duncan Pearse

This entry recognises how Duncan Pearse’s leadership has strengthened Northpoint’s clarity, resilience and long term sustainability, giving the organisation greater confidence, stronger governance and clear sense of purpose and direction.

This has been achieved during a period of rising demand for mental health services, system change and fragility across the sector. Turnover and staffing has grown from £10.27m and 249 in 2022–23 to £13.89m and 265 in 2025–26, delivering vital services while providing more stability for staff, partners and communities.

Change has been approached thoughtfully, guided by evidence and meaningful engagement with staff, external consultants and partners. Arriving after a period of rapid growth, Duncan identified the absence of a formal strategy and infrastructure needed to sustainably meet post Covid demand. To build a clear evidence base, he led a Charity Excellence Framework (CEF) health check to understand organisational strengths, gaps and priorities.

Duncan is recognised locally as a respected system leader, strengthening trust and influence with commissioners and partners through active leadership across VCSE alliances, senior system boards and NHS decision making forums.

The impact of this leadership is evident in practice: • Staff report greater trust and confidence, with organisational values reflected in how work is done and stronger clarity across leadership and governance. • Northpoint is recognised as a credible organisation and constructive system partner. • A clear strategy and Theory of Change drive impact led development. For example significantly reducing waiting times in children and young people’s services despite rising demand, while supporting partners under pressure