The board of trustees at national alcohol harm reduction charity Alcohol Change UK has elected Mick Urwin as its new chair.
After more than two years serving on the board at Alcohol Change UK and taking a leading role in its various sub-committees, Urwin brings a wealth of understanding and experience across policing, community projects and the charity sector. He steps into the role following the unexpected death of former chair Prof Isabelle Szmigin in December 2024 and an election process among the board of trustees.
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 is a former member of the National Police Chiefs Council Licensing and Alcohol Harm group, where he advised the chief officer lead and Home Office. In addition to his work with Alcohol Change UK, he is an advisor to his local police & crime commissioner as a subject matter expert on alcohol
harm, acts as the chair of a local community project tackling underage drinking, and is vice chair of the board of trustees for One Punch UK, a charity focused on raising awareness of the devastation of a single punch or act of violence where alcohol is often a contributing factor.
CEO of Alcohol Change UK, Dr 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 will step into the role as our new chair. While this was in difficult circumstances, following the sudden death of our wonderful, previous chair Prof Isabelle Szmigin, 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.’
Mick Urwin added, ‘It is an honour to be elected by my fellow trustees as chair of the Alcohol Change UK board. The tragic loss of our previous chair, Isabelle Szmigin, was devastating for her family, friends and everyone at Alcohol Change UK. As a board, our sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with them. My intention is to build on Isabelle’s exceptional work and carry her legacy forward.
‘This role is a significant responsibility, particularly given the vital work the charity does in tackling alcohol harm. This is especially important following the launch of our new, ambitious strategy in 2024, which aims to reach more people than ever who are at risk of harm caused by alcohol.
‘With 30 years of experience as a police officer, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of alcohol on victims and offenders – and the ripple-effect on families, entire communities and society. But these harms are not inevitable, and my experiences were a driving force behind my decision to join the board and contribute to meaningful solutions that will make a difference.
‘I’m looking forward to leading the board as we implement our new strategy, ensuring that we continue to provide evidence-based information and support to everyone affected by alcohol harm and those involved in tackling it, whilst also advocating for vital systemic change.’
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