Ken Clare

Ken is PPIE led at Leeds Beckett University and cofounder of the Obesity Voices Hub, and will be co-presenting with Louise Ells, on the lived experience work we have codeveloped over the past 5 years. Ken has a lifelong experience of living with obesity. With a professional background in general and mental health nursing, he also has five years’ experience as a specialist bariatric nurse. During the past 18 years, he has become a strong advocate for people with obesity and is passionate about ensuring patient voices are considered at every stage of research, commissioning and service delivery. Ken founded WLSInfo (patient information and support charity) in 2002, was a founding member of OEN (Obesity Empowerment Network) and GOPA (Global Obesity Patient Alliance). He currently serves as Chair of EASO-ECPO European Coalition for People Living with Obesity and is a Trustee of ASO (Association for the Study of Obesity). Additionally Ken has taken part in a range of patient involvement roles, organised many obesity related conferences and has extensive experience across all media platforms. He is currently engaged with the University of Liverpool and Leeds Beckett University in roles focussing on Patient and Public Involvement.