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Hannah joined us in October 2025, following the retirement of our long-standing Director, Liz Prudhoe. Liz has skilfully led the organisation for many years, and we\u2019re incredibly grateful for her leadership.<\/p>\n
Hannah brings over 20 years of experience across health, care, and the voluntary sector. She is a registered physiotherapist with a background in youth and community work and has held a range of leadership roles in community interest companies, charities and the NHS. Most recently, she was Director of Allied Health Professionals for North East London, leading over 3,500 clinicians across a large and diverse health system. Hannah is passionate about inclusion, community-led change, and making services work better for the people who use them.<\/p>\n
What brought you to Adapt (NE)?<\/strong><\/p>\n My family and I relocated to Northumberland a few months ago and I feel incredibly grateful to have found a role within such an established and values-driven community charity. I\u2019ve always been drawn to organisations that are rooted in their communities, driving change from the ground up. Adapt (NE) has a strong track record of doing just that, quietly and consistently making a difference. This felt like a natural next step and a real opportunity to contribute to something meaningful in my new community in the North East.<\/p>\n What lessons or experiences from your past roles will you bring to this one?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve worked in a mix of settings from small charities and non-profits to large NHS organisations and systems. Whilst I\u2019ve done leadership training and spent time on the technical side of the job, I\u2019ve mainly learned that relationships, kindness and collaboration are everything. Whether it\u2019s co-designing services with communities or navigating complex change, listening well and building trust are key.<\/p>\n How do you see charities like Adapt (NE) making a difference right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n Charities are often the first to spot when people are falling through the cracks, to understand why and to know what is needed. We\u2019re close to our communities and can respond in ways that are flexible, creative, and human, which is even more important now than ever. The flexibility and creativity of the third sector is something that has consistently pulled me back into the sector over the years. There\u2019s no doubt that the current context is tough for so many people, for charities and our public organisations, but I am encouraged by the shift of focus to communities and place-based working. It is essential that charities like Adapt (NE) are involved from the get-go in developing new neighbourhood health and care models.<\/p>\n What are your priorities for the first few months?<\/strong><\/p>\n Listening and learning. I want to understand what matters most to the people who make Adapt (NE) what it is- staff, volunteers, trustees, and the people we support. I\u2019ll also be working with the board to look at our strategy and how we can build on the strong foundations already in place to look and plan ahead for our future.<\/p>\n What opportunities or challenges do you see ahead?<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s no doubt that the funding environment is tough, and demand for support is growing. But I also see opportunities to strengthen partnerships, collaborate with the other excellent organisations working across the region, explore new ways of working, and keep championing the voices of differently abled people and those in our community facing hardship, disadvantage or exclusion.<\/p>\n What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?<\/strong><\/p>\n Hmmm, I always find these questions quite hard as I don\u2019t have any exciting hobbies or unusual facts! I am constantly inspired by people who do brilliant physical activity challenges like cold water swimming or ultra marathons, but I must admit I haven\u2019t quite managed either of those yet. I have bought a swim float and all the gear to get in the river though \u2013 so you might see me in the Tyne when the weather is warmer (and feel free to challenge me if I am not!).<\/p>\n What do you enjoy doing outside of work?<\/strong><\/p>\n I love being outdoors, walking and exploring the amazing Northumbrian landscapes with my family. I\u2019m not sure you can beat a bracing walk along the North East coastline. The walks are even better if they can finish at a cosy pub,\u00a0 and we\u2019ve found some favourites already. I also love baking and having a busy house, so the door is always open for a cuppa, cake and a chat!<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We\u2019re pleased to welcome Hannah Harniess as the new Chief Executive Officer of Adapt (NE). Hannah joined us in October 2025, following the retirement of our long-standing Director, Liz Prudhoe. 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