Sue Collins is an expert on older people, disabilities and independent living. She has over 25 years’ experience in the social care sector and is an experienced senior manager from the voluntary and third sector. She is lead co-ordinator for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, where she is the Principal Policy and Public Affairs Manager, on the older people’s strategic programme looking at funding solutions for long-term care, older people, disabilities, social care, independent living and empowerment. She wrote the report How can funding of long-term care adapt for an ageing population? and was responsible for setting up and leading the Caring Choices initiative in 2007, which has resulted in a set of important care funding recommendations.

Her previous career has included working throughout the UK both in the voluntary and local authority sector. Sue is a qualified Social Worker and Practice Teacher (CQSW) and holds an MSc in Social Administration

'I am delighted to be joining the board of Independent Age at this important time in the charity’s history,' says Sue. 'As social care moves into the 21^st century and ageism towards older people gains increasing recognition, it will be important for charities such as Independent Age to recognise the vital role that older people play as active citizens and major contributors to their communities.'