Stroke Association Company Profile

Background

The Stroke Association is a UK-based charity dedicated to preventing strokes and supporting those affected by them. Established in 1992, the organization emerged from the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association (CHASA) to focus exclusively on stroke-related issues. Its mission is to provide specialist support, fund critical research, and campaign to ensure that individuals impacted by stroke receive optimal care and support to rebuild their lives. The charity operates across the United Kingdom, including the Isle of Man and Guernsey, offering a range of services to stroke survivors and their families.

Key Strategic Focus

The Stroke Association's strategic objectives encompass:

Stroke Support Services: Offering tailored support such as Stroke Recovery Service, Communication Support Service, Emotional Support Service, Exercise-based Rehabilitation Service, Post Stroke Review service, and Caring and You. In 2016-17, these services assisted over 58,000 stroke survivors across the UK.

Research Funding: Investing in research to prevent strokes, improve treatments, and enhance aftercare. Since 1991, the organization has allocated over £55 million to vital stroke research.

Prevention Campaigns: Collaborating with the Department of Health on initiatives like the Act FAST campaign, launched in 2009, to educate the public on recognizing stroke symptoms promptly. The charity also conducted the "Know Your Blood Pressure" campaign, offering free blood-pressure testing to the public.

Awareness and Advocacy: Hosting events such as the Life After Stroke Awards and the UK Stroke Forum to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and advocate for improved stroke care. The organization also supports Stroke Awareness Month every May.

Financials and Funding

As of the financial year ending March 31, 2023, the Stroke Association reported:

Turnover: £40.68 million, a decrease of £481,000 (-1%) from the previous year.

Total Assets: £45.75 million, an increase of £1.75 million (+4%).

Net Assets: £34.96 million, an increase of £1.84 million (+6%).

Employees: 739, an increase of 27 (+4%).

The organization is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital, indicating that it reinvests all income into its charitable activities.

Leadership Team

The Stroke Association's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the organization's mission:

Juliet Bouverie OBE: Appointed Chief Executive in June 2016, Juliet has been instrumental in steering the charity's strategic direction. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire Medal (OBE) in the Queen’s 2020 New Year's Honours list for services to stroke survivors.

Professor Avril Elizabeth Roberta Drummond: Director and University Professor and Occupational Therapist, contributing her academic expertise to the organization's initiatives.

Andrew Robert Archibald: Director and Commercial Director, bringing commercial acumen to the charity's operations.

Dr. Niamh Kennedy: Director and Lecturer, offering insights from her academic background.

Mr. Stephen Phillip King: Director and Retired professional, providing seasoned guidance.

Mr. David John Buckle: Director and Doctor (GP and Primary Care Medical Director), contributing medical expertise.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Stroke remains a significant health concern globally, being the second-leading cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. In the UK, approximately 100,000 people suffer strokes annually, underscoring the critical need for organizations like the Stroke Association.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors and collaborators in the stroke support and research sector include:

American Stroke Association: A division of the American Heart Association, focusing on stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation in the United States. They offer resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: A Canadian organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke through research, advocacy, and health promotion.

Stroke Foundation (Australia): An Australian charity that partners with the community to prevent, treat, and beat stroke.

These organizations share similar missions and often collaborate on international initiatives to combat stroke.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Stroke Association collaborates with various national and international organizations to enhance its impact:

World Stroke Organization: A global body dedicated to reducing the burden of stroke worldwide.

Stroke Alliance For Europe (SAFE): A pan-European patient representative organization promoting awareness and prevention of stroke.

UK Stroke Forum: A coalition of organizations committed to improving stroke care in the UK.

These partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, joint research initiatives, and coordinated advocacy efforts.

Operational Insights

The Stroke Association's comprehensive approach—encompassing support services, research funding, prevention campaigns, and advocacy—positions it as a leader in the UK's stroke support sector. Its collaborations with international organizations further strengthen its capacity to address stroke-related challenges effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the Stroke Association aims to:

Expand Support Services: Reach more stroke survivors and caregivers with tailored support programs.

Enhance Research Funding: Invest in innovative research to improve stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Strengthen Advocacy Efforts: Influence public policy to ensure better care and support for stroke survivors.

Increase Public Awareness: Educate the public on stroke prevention and the importance of recognizing symptoms promptly.

By leveraging its existing strengths and strategic partnerships, the Stroke Association is well-positioned to make significant strides in reducing the impact of stroke in the UK and beyond.