The Dignity Ambassador

The Dignity in Care Network is happy to announce Dame Joan Bakewell as our new Dignity Ambassador, taking over from the previous Dignity Ambassador Sir Michael Parkinson.

Dame Joan Bakewell was approached by the National Dignity Council to become the National Dignity Ambassador and act as a figurehead for the Dignity in Care Campaign. Dame Joan Bakewell has agreed to help raise the profile of the campaign by bringing it to the attention of the public.

The Dignity Ambassador Dame Joan Bakewell said:

"I am delighted to be associated with the Dignity in Care Campaign and the efforts it makes to understand and promote dignity. This is done with tenderness and generosity. Wide may its influence spread".

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dame Joan Bakwell for taking on this responsibility, we look forward to working together to help promote the importance of treating everyone in care with dignity and respect.

Sir Michael Parkinson, the previous dignity Ambassador was named as Dignity Ambassador on 20 July 2008 at the launch of the Dignity Tour at Guy's and St Thomas Hospital London.

Sir Michael Parkinson was approached by the previous Minister for Care Services, to become the National Dignity Ambassador and act as a figurehead for the Dignity in Care Campaign. Sir Michael Parkinson agreed to help raise the profile of the campaign by bringing it to the attention of the public.

The Dignity Ambassador Sir Michael Parkinson said:

"I am honoured to take on this role as Ambassador for the Dignity In Care campaign.

I have always had immense respect for the contribution older people have made to our country. Like many others I have experienced the care system in the past as the son of elderly parents.

Dignity is about being treated as an individual with respect and compassion. I intend to use my role to make a real difference and ensure the issue of dignity moves to the heart of all NHS and care services."

Whilst acting as the Dignity Ambassador Sir Michael joined the previous Minister for Care Services on the National Dignity Tour where he has visited different care settings, spoke with champions & users of care services, and the media. He also spoke at several key events and conferences & helps the campaign secure media coverage so more people are aware of the campaign.

Sir Michael Parkinson produced a report published in January 2010 aimed at the public, it higlighted his observations in his time as Dignity Ambassador.

The work that Sir Michael Parkinson has undertaken to support the Dignity in Care Campaign can be found on our Events, Conferences & Visits page

Other short films have been recorded by Sir Michael Parkinson which can be found on our podcast page.

The Dignity in Care Network Thanks Sir Michael Parkinson for everything he has done in his time as the Dignity Ambassador. Sir Michael Parkinson remains one of the 30,000 plus committed dignity champions.

• Michael Parkinson in the Telegraph
  As Sir Michael publishes his memoirs, he takes a candid look back at his glorious career and he takes the time to explain his role as Dignity Ambassador and his intention to write a report on his findings...
• Sir Michael Parkinson on Dignity in the Sun Newspaper
  Published on 22 May this article by Michael Parkinson talks about his role as Dignity Ambassador and his mother's care before her death last year.
• Sir Michael Parkinson on Dignity in the Telegraph
  Ahead of the launch of a national Dignity tour around England's care homes and hospitals, Michael Parkinson explains why dignity is an issue very close to his heart in this online article in the Telegraph....