Rona Slator is one of the UK's most respected figures in cleft care, bringing decades of clinical, research and leadership experience to her role as Chair of CLEFT.

A former Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in cleft lip and palate reconstruction at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Rona is recognised for her surgical expertise and her commitment to improving outcomes for children and adults affected by cleft conditions. Alongside her clinical work, she has published research into speech development in children with bilateral cleft lip and palate and has spent much of her career advancing evidence-based care through research, collaboration and education.

Rona has held a number of influential leadership positions across the cleft community, including Chair of CLAPA's Board of Trustees, President of the Craniofacial Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Clinical Lead for the West Midlands Cleft Service and Chair of the Cleft Clinical Directors Special Interest Group. She also served as the first Chair of the Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies Clinical Studies Group, helping to champion the next generation of cleft researchers.

Throughout her career, Rona has shared CLEFT's belief that every patient deserves access to the very best care, wherever they live. Inspired early in her career by Brian Sommerlad's pioneering work in cleft surgery and his commitment to measuring outcomes, she has dedicated her professional life to improving treatment through research and clinical excellence.

Having previously chaired CLEFT's Research Committee, Rona now brings that experience, passion and deep understanding of the charity's mission to her new role as Chair. She is committed to building on Brian's remarkable legacy while helping CLEFT continue to advance world-class research, build locally rooted partnerships and lasting capability, closing the gap in cleft care so that where you are born no longer defines the care you receive or the life you lead.

"It is a real privilege to take on the role of Chair of CLEFT. Having worked in cleft care throughout my career and supported the charity for many years, I have seen first-hand the extraordinary difference it makes to patients and families, both in the UK and internationally.

Brian has built an incredible legacy, one that has inspired me personally throughout my career, and I feel honoured to be following in his footsteps. Together with our dedicated Board, staff, volunteers, supporters and clinical partners, I look forward to building on those strong foundations as we continue improving access to specialist cleft care, supporting world-class research and education, and transforming lives around the world."

Rona Slator

As Rona begins her new role, the Board is grateful for the continuity, experience and shared commitment she brings to CLEFT at such an important moment. Marie Pinkstone, Vice-Chair of CLEFT, reflected on both Brian's extraordinary contribution and the confidence the Board has in Rona as the charity looks ahead.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to once again thank Brian for the extraordinary contribution he has made to CLEFT over the past two decades. His vision, compassion and determination have shaped this charity in countless ways and laid the foundations for everything we are today.

At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Rona Slator as our new Chair. Rona brings a wealth of leadership experience, a longstanding commitment to CLEFT and a genuine passion for improving outcomes for patients and families affected by cleft conditions. I know the charity is in excellent hands as we begin this next chapter."

Marie Pinkstone, Vice-Chair of CLEFT

We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support CLEFT, from our donors, volunteers and clinical partners to the many friends of the charity who have helped make our work possible. As we welcome Rona as Chair, we look forward with confidence and renewed commitment to the next chapter of CLEFT's work.

With warmest wishes,
The Board of Trustees