The Dignity Ambassador & Ministerial Support

Sir Michael Parkinson was named as Dignity Ambassador on 20 July 2008 at the launch of the Dignity Tour at Guy's and St Thomas Hospital London.

Sir Michael Parkinson was approached by the previous Minister for Care Services, Ivan Lewis to become the National Dignity Ambassador and act as a figurehead for the Dignity in Care Campaign. Sir Michael Parkinson agreed to help raise the profile of the campaign by bringing it to the attention of the public.

The Dignity Ambassador Sir Michael Parkinson said:

"I am honoured to take on this role as Ambassador for the Government's Dignity In Care campaign.

I have always had immense respect for the contribution older people have made to our country. Like many others I have experienced the care system in the past as the son of elderly parents.

Dignity is about being treated as an individual with respect and compassion. I intend to use my role to make a real difference and ensure the issue of dignity moves to the heart of all NHS and care services."

Since becoming the Dignity Ambassador Sir Michael has joined the Minister for Care Services on the National Dignity Tour where he has visited different care settings, spoken with champions & users of care services, and the media. He has also spoken at several key events and conferences & helps the campaign secure media coverage so more people are aware of the campaign.

In November 2008 Sir Michael Parkinson joined the National Dignity Conference and interviewed three guests to discuss 'Why Dignity Matters'

Sir Michael Parkinson will produce a report to be published in January 2010. The report aimed at the public will be his observations in his time as Dignity Ambassador.

Minister for Care Services

In support of the campaign we also have the Minister for Care Services, Phil Hope who took over from Ivan Lewis who is now moved onto become the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Our new Minister Phil Hope has supported the campaign by completing the Dignity Tour, conducting webchats & speaking at numerous conferences & events across the country.

Below you will find some media coverage featuring the Dignity Ambassador & a short podcast explaining why he agreed to take on the role as Dignity Ambassador.

The work that Sir Michael Parkinson & The Minister for Care Services have undertaken to support the Dignity in Care Campaign can be found on our Events, Conferences & Visits page

Other short films have been recorded by Sir Michael Parkinson & the Minister for Care Services which can be found on our podcast page.

• Michael Parkinson in the Telegraph
  As Sir Michael publishes his memoirs, he takes a candid look back at his glorious career and he takes the time to explain his role as Dignity Ambassador and his intention to write a report on his findings...
• Sir Michael Parkinson on Dignity in the Sun Newspaper
  Published on 22 May this article by Michael Parkinson talks about his role as Dignity Ambassador and his mother's care before her death last year.
• Sir Michael Parkinson on Dignity in the Telegraph
  Ahead of the launch of a national Dignity tour around England's care homes and hospitals, Michael Parkinson explains why dignity is an issue very close to his heart in this online article in the Telegraph....