Vivienne Michael (Chief Executive)

Vivienne has over 20 years' experience of policy-making, management, communications and fundraising in the voluntary sector.

Before becoming Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK she was Publications Director at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).

A scientist and researcher by training, Vivienne spent some years in media relations and journalism, writing on health and family matters for many national newspapers and magazines.

She serves on the governing bodies of several organisations including University College London’s Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre, the Association of Medical Research Charities and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves Officers' Association. For some years she was a trustee of the United Kingdom Council on Deafness (UKOD).

Vivienne is President, Secretary and a member of several local community committees and, in 2003, was elected to Mole Valley District Council. She takes an active interest in the environment and rural affairs and, in her role as a Councillor, serves on several bodies including the LGA Rural Commission, the Surrey Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee, the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership and the Mole Valley Arts Forum.