16 June 2026
After six years of dedicated service, Chris Martey will step down as Trustee and Chair of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance after the Annual General Meeting on 1 July 2026.
During his tenure, Chris has guided the organisation through significant challenge and change. Under his leadership, governance has been strengthened, ARMA is financially more sustainable, and a new and ambitious five-year strategy has been launched that positions ARMA as the alliance that can shift the system – convening, collaborating and campaigning to influence leaders and policymakers to make musculoskeletal (MSK) health a national priority.
Chris says:
“After the AGM on 1 July 2026, I will step down from my role as Chair and Trustee of ARMA after six deeply rewarding years.
It’s been an incredible privilege being an ARMA Trustee since 2020 and being elected to become Chair of the Board in 2024, advocating for MSK health across the UK during a time of great complexity and change. Throughout, I’ve been inspired by the collaborative and unwavering commitment of ARMA staff, Board, members and partners. Together, we’ve elevated the voice of the MSK community nationally, grounded in insights from members and with lived experience at the forefront.
Trustees are vital to charities as they provide essential strategic leadership, governance and legal accountability, acting as guardians of the organisation’s mission. As a clinician, my appreciation for this has deepened, and the experience has enhanced my understanding of, and involvement in, system-wide change.
Some highlights I’m especially proud of:
- Supporting an extensive Freedom of Information (FOI) review examining Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England, which, at that time, revealed significant gaps in local MSK leadership, setting out a case for change.
- Advocating for health equity and enabling the first national inquiry into MSK health inequalities, culminating in the Act Now: Musculoskeletal Health Inequalities and Deprivation report, which highlighted that the prevalence and impact of MSK conditions are heavily driven by socioeconomic deprivation.
- Publishing a refreshed and renewed ARMA five-year strategy, 20 Million Reasons, which sets out a bold plan to make MSK health a national priority.
- Chairing the Finance and Risk Committee and supporting a new funding model that strengthened ARMA’s standing and sustainability.
- Successfully planning for the transition and recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer.
- Deepening ARMA’s partnerships, welcoming new members and affiliates, and engaging with wider stakeholders.
These accomplishments reflect a collective endeavour. My sincere thanks to the ARMA staff, Board and, of course, ARMA members, who have been the heart of our progress.
On a personal level, this journey has been one of immense growth. Leading the Board has deepened my commitment to equity, collaboration across the system and improving MSK health to transform lives. It has reminded me that meaningful change is built on collaboration, courage and compassion. Though my time as a Trustee has ended, my dedication to MSK health is stronger than ever.
I’m delighted to share the news that Dr Dale Webb will be taking over the mantle as ARMA’s new Chair. Please join me in welcoming and supporting Dale, whose expertise, leadership and vision will guide ARMA into its next chapter. Dale has worked closely with me and CEO Adrian Bradley as Vice-Chair and is incredibly well placed to build on the momentum ARMA has created.”
ARMA CEO Adrian Bradley says:
“I could not have wished for a more supportive and encouraging Chair during my first year. Chris has been unwaveringly positive, generous with his time, and wholly committed to ARMA’s success.
He has steered the charity through a period of significant change with calmness, integrity and purpose. Under his leadership, ARMA has strengthened its governance, improved its financial sustainability and developed an ambitious new strategy that will shape our work for years to come.
Chris has also been a passionate and persuasive advocate for MSK health, helping to raise our profile and strengthen our influence with policymakers, national bodies and partners across the sector.
Chris leaves ARMA in a strong and positive position. On behalf of the Board, staff and members, I would like to thank him for his outstanding service, leadership and friendship. We wish him every success for the future.
We are also very fortunate to have such an excellent successor in Dr Dale Webb, and I look forward to working with Dale as he takes over as Chair and leads ARMA into its next chapter.”
Dr Dale Webb says:
“Chris has been an outstanding Chair of ARMA. With his deep knowledge of the sector, his trademark passion and steadfast commitment to improving MSK care, Chris’s leadership leaves the organisation in the very best shape.
I look forward very much to working with the trustees and staff, using the incredible breadth and depth of our members’ experience to shape healthcare policy and practice and ensure that everything we say and do is underpinned by evidence and the lived experience of patients and healthcare professionals.”