Music therapy charity recruits to board as it seeks better health care integration

The charity Nordoff and Robbins has named new trustees SELINA EMENY, KATE REILLY and GILES WILMORE as it unveils a new strategy to establish music therapy as a recognised, integrated and accessible form of health care.

“Selina, Kate and Giles will be at the heart of real change, not just for Nordoff and Robbins, but the people we serve and exist for,” said chief executive SANDRA SCHEMBRI.

“Millions of people could benefit from music therapy, but we can’t reach them on our own. This is why we hope to grow and develop our ecosystem beyond just Nordoff and Robbins, alongside ensuring financial sustainability, influencing policy, exploring new income streams and focusing on our quality and depth of work, all whilst increasing impact for our clients,” she continued.

As director of community at the orchestral charity Manchester Camerata, Wilmore leads community programmes that support children, young people, and those living with dementia through music. He is also the programme director for the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia and has held senior roles at NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and Samaritans.

Chief membership and people officer at UK music licensing organisation Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), Reilly also sits on the UK Music Diversity Taskforce, supporting the equity and diversity agenda.

Emeny has spent over 25 years working in the global live music industry, serving as international group counsel for Live Nation and as general counsel for Ticketmaster.

Chair EMMA BANKS said that the trio “bring a wealth of experience” from within the music and health industries, adding: “As we strive for a future where music therapy can support even more people, we are privileged to have them on this journey with us.”