New trustees join James' Place

We’re delighted to welcome two new trustees to our board following an open recruitment process.

Our board has been joined by Chris Dzikiti, currently the Interim Chief Inspector of Mental Health at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and Marcus Davies, a chartered commercial insurance broker and former James’ Place client.

Chief Executive of James’ Place, Ellen O’Donoghue, said: “We are delighted that Chris and Marcus have joined us, and they both bring a wealth of experience and perspectives that will help us to continue to increase our reach and help more men. 2026 is set to be a big year for us as we open our fourth centre in Birmingham, and Chris and Marcus’s input will be invaluable at an exciting time of growth for the charity.”

Chris said: “I am honoured to join James’ Place as a trustee. The charity’s life-saving work supporting men in crisis is profoundly important, and its mission resonates deeply with my commitment to improving mental health support. I look forward to contributing to their efforts to ensure that more men receive the timely, compassionate help they need.”

Marcus said: “James’ Place provided me with life-saving therapy at one of the most difficult periods of my life, and the impact of that support has stayed with me ever since. It is a genuine privilege to now serve as a trustee, which represents a full circle moment. I am deeply committed to supporting James’ Place to continue its vital work, ensuring that the needs of men who rely on the charity remain at the heart of its mission as it reaches and supports more men in suicidal crisis.”

We would like to say a huge thank you to Professor Tamar J Thompson OBE who steps down from our board after 8 years of support.

About Chris

Chris Dzikiti is currently the Interim Chief Inspector of Mental Health at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and brings extensive experience in the field of mental health. He has previously held senior roles, including Executive Director of Operations and Director of Mental Health at the CQC, as well as Deputy Director for Transformation and Delivery at NHS England. A mental health nurse by background, Chris has dedicated his career to improving mental health services. In addition to his professional work, he has actively volunteered to support the mental health and wellbeing of men and boys.

About Marcus

Marcus Davies is a chartered commercial insurance broker at Rigby Financial, where he advises corporate clients on risk management and tailored insurance solutions across a range of sectors. He studied Law at the University of Liverpool between 2010 and 2013, gaining a strong grounding in legal and regulatory principles that continue to inform his professional practice.

Marcus became involved with James’ Place following his personal experience as a client of the charity in Liverpool. His lived experience gives him a clear and informed understanding of the challenges faced by men in suicidal crisis, as well as the impact that timely, compassionate intervention can have at a critical moment.