Derek C. Stewart OBE

Derek Stewart, OBE born too many years ago in Ayr, Scotland, Derek was treated successfully for cancer of the larynx in 1995. A former teacher working with challenging pupils in Glasgow and Nottinghamshire, Derek became involved in numerous aspects of patient involvement at the local, network and national levels. As the founder Chair of the Consumer Liaison Group, Derek assisted with the development of patient participation in the establishment and work of the National Cancer Research Network /Institute and was a board member. Derek was Chair of the Confederation of Cancer Biobanks, a member of the Steering Group for the Experimental Cancer Medicines Centres (ECMCs), and other committees including the Ethics Panel for EUPATI. As a member of the Advisory Board for the Department of Health Cancer Reform Strategy, Derek chaired the working group on awareness and early diagnosis.

From 2001 until 2006 Derek was Chair of Gedling Primary Care Trust in Nottinghamshire which gained 3 stars on inspection. From 2005–09 he was Chair of Nottingham City Crime and Drugs Partnership where the crime was reduced by more than 34% and more than 3000 people received drug treatment. This contribution to health services in particular cancer led to being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2006. Currently, Derek is the Associate Director for Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement at the National Institute for Health Research for the Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN). The Network provides the infrastructure to enable research opportunities to be provided in the NHS. In the charity sector, Derek is Chair of Nottingham and District Citizens Advice Bureau and recently became a Member of Cancer Research UK. Derek lives in Nottinghamshire works as a freelance consultant with his own company providing training and development mainly in the charity and public sector.