ROS confirms CEO transition timeline while stepping up push for Government delivery on fracture prevention

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has confirmed that its Chief Executive, Craig Jones, will take up a new role at the end of the summer as Chief Executive of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.  

A structured transition period is now underway, with Craig remaining in post until the start of August to lead this next stage of its national campaign to secure a funded plan for delivering fracture prevention in England.

Vice-Chair of the Board Richard Darch said:

“Craig has led a period of considerable growth for the Royal Osteoporosis Society, increasing income, raising public awareness of bone health, and building a powerful national movement for change.  He leaves behind a strong leadership team, clear strategy and delivery plan.  Our campaign to secure a fully funded implementation plan for Fracture Liaison Services is firmly embedded within that team and will continue at full pace, as agreed with our coalition partners. The Board will ensure momentum is maintained until this commitment is delivered for patients.” 

Craig has led ROS since 2020.  During his tenure, ROS has transformed its reach, impact and financial resilience.  Key achievements include:

• Increasing the charity’s income by 49% since 2019, including securing its first £1 million donation
• Doubling website reach since 2023 to 1.3 million people annually, significantly expanding public awareness
• Supporting over 520,000 people to assess their bone health risk, leading to more than 70,000 early diagnoses
• Delivering major national media partnerships, including the Sunday Express “Better Bones” campaign and the Mail on Sunday “War on Osteoporosis” campaign
• Securing national commitments to Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in every area in both England and Wales
• Launching innovative digital services, including BoneMed Online
• Winning “Best Charity” at the Third Sector Awards

Reflecting on his time at the charity, Craig said:

“The last six years have been the most fulfilling, rewarding and exciting of my career.  Standing up for people with osteoporosis has been the most motivating cause I’ve ever been involved in.  I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and will always care deeply about the mission.”

ROS emphasised that its national campaign to improve osteoporosis care and prevent avoidable fractures will continue at pace throughout the transition – and afterwards - driven by its senior leadership team, Board and a broad coalition of medical societies, patient charities, business leaders and trade unions all united behind delivery.  The charity continues to develop its media partnerships with the Sunday Express and the Mail on Sunday.

Craig added:

“We will continue to work constructively with Government while holding firm on the urgency of delivery.  A clear implementation plan for Fracture Liaison Services is essential if we are to prevent avoidable fractures and save lives.”

The Board of Trustees will begin the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive shortly.

Craig added:

“ROS is a resilient, ambitious organisation with a bright future.  This work is driven by an exceptional team and community, alongside a strong coalition of partners, and I am confident the charity will continue to go from strength to strength as it works to close the osteoporosis care gap.”