What we do
The Centre for Healthy Empowered Communities acts as a hub for the health and social care sectors. Via collaborative research and development projects we provide an evidence base and solutions to support wellbeing, prevent ill-health and help address health inequalities.
Our Vision
To empower individuals and communities to maximise their own health and wellbeing while addressing the wider public health agenda of reducing health inequalities through system and service delivery change, through multi-agency partnerships and research collaborations.
Why we do it
There is growing awareness that community wellbeing is something for which the NHS does not have sole responsibility. Consequently, research and development funding is increasingly seeking evidence of partnership and collaboration between statutory services, the third sector, the private sector and academia.
What makes us special?
Our Values
- Innovation
- Passion
- Teamwork
- Respect
- Community support
- Empowerment
We exist to benefit patients and communities across Kent and Medway
We establish and lead multi-agency partnerships that undertake research to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities
We further the development of understanding, knowledge and practical expertise of the health and social care sector, leading to system change and service improvements.
Our Strategy
We have an excellent track record in partnership development (finding appropriate partners from a range of sectors to collaborate on health and social care projects, building the project consortium), bid development, bid writing, budget planning, project facilitation and management, reporting and project closure.
Alice Chapman-Hatchett
Director
Our People and Governance
HEC is an independent not-for-profit organisation governed by an experienced Board whose expertise spans health, research, housing, local government, quality improvement, and community development. Our Board provides strategic oversight, supports strong partnerships, and helps guide our work to improve health and wellbeing outcomes across Kent and Medway.
Stakeholders consistently highlight HEC’s neutrality, credibility and ability to build trust across organisational boundaries as key strengths — particularly in times of system change.
Cedi Frederick
Chair
Cedi Frederick was elected Chair of HEC in 2022. He brings over 40 years of leadership experience across the public, voluntary, and housing sectors, alongside extensive non-executive experience within the NHS. His career has focused on organisational leadership, governance, and advancing equity and inclusion. Cedi joined HEC to support collaborative approaches that address health inequalities and strengthen connections between communities, services, and systems.
Alice Chapman-Hatchett
Director
Alice Chapman-Hatchett has led HEC since 2010, overseeing its growth, partnerships, and research portfolio. She has extensive experience in public health, collaborative research, and multi-sector innovation, with a focus on improving health and wellbeing outcomes. Alice’s work is driven by a commitment to enabling organisations and communities to work together more effectively to tackle complex health and social challenges.
Brian Horton
Board member
Brian Horton joined the Board in 2025, strengthening HEC’s expertise in housing, development, and regeneration. He has over 35 years’ experience in housing strategy and currently leads a strategic consultancy practice. Brian was drawn to HEC’s work in bridging housing and health, recognising the critical role that homes and places play in supporting wellbeing and reducing inequalities.
Dr M. May Seitanidi
Board Member
Dr May Seitanidi is an internationally recognised expert in cross-sector partnerships, strategy, and corporate social responsibility. She brings deep expertise in collaborative governance, ethical partnerships, and sustainable development. Her involvement with HEC reflects her longstanding interest in how partnerships can address complex societal challenges and deliver meaningful, system-level impact.
Sue Appleby
Board member
Sue Appleby has over 40 years’ experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and public relations across complex public and private sector environments. She brings expertise in strategic communications and organisational reputation. Sue joined HEC to support work that builds trust, strengthens partnerships, and helps organisations communicate effectively during periods of change.
Professor Chris Farmer
Board member
Professor Chris Farmer is a Clinical Professor and Consultant in Renal Medicine with a distinguished career spanning clinical practice and health research. His expertise includes health systems, clinical research, and evidence-based policy. He joined HEC to contribute clinical and research insight to collaborative programmes aimed at improving population health and translating evidence into practice.
Vicky Woods
Board Member
Vicky Woods is an experienced healthcare leader specialising in quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement. Her work focuses on strengthening learning systems and embedding person-centred approaches. Vicky values HEC’s emphasis on collaboration and joined the Board to support system-wide improvement and innovation across health and care services.
Professor Anjan Ghosh
Board member
Professor Anjan Ghosh is the Director of Public Health for Kent County Council with extensive leadership experience in improving population health and reducing inequalities. His work spans strategy, system integration, and evidence-informed decision-making. Anjan joined HEC to support partnership-driven approaches that address the wider determinants of health and deliver long-term community impact.
Chris Gedge
Board member
Chris Gedge is a senior NHS research leader with a clinical background in physiotherapy. He has extensive experience in developing research capability, supporting innovation, and advancing whole-system approaches. Chris joined HEC recognising the importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges and strengthening the link between research, practice, and community outcomes.
Through this in-depth work, we have developed a unique and profound understanding of how health and social care systems operate in the UK and how innovation can be practically transferred and implemented between regions.
In a recent project, we helped 1000 health and social care professionals deliver community care in self-managing teams. Another of our projects created and funded new buildings providing an additional 54 beds for people living with dementia in their communities.
Our experience and expertise can benefit organisations across the country.
