Brittle Bone Society (BBS) Announces Retirement of Chief Executive Patricia Osborne
Dundee, Scotland – The Brittle Bone Society (BBS) has announced that its Chief Executive, Patricia Osborne, will retire from her role at the end of December 2026, following more than 16 years of dedicated leadership.
Patricia joined the Brittle Bone Society in 2010 after responding to an advertisement for a new Chief Executive to lead the charity from its headquarters in Dundee. Over the past 16 years, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation and strengthening its support for people living with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone disease.
During her tenure, Patricia successfully led the organisation through three strategic plans and oversaw several significant developments. Most notably, she was instrumental in establishing the Society’s Medical Advisory Board and introducing its Research Grants Programme, which is managed by its Scientific Advisory Board and continues to support vital research into OI.
Working from the charity’s Guthrie Street offices, Patricia also ensured the continued delivery of the Society’s core support services, including the provision of funded mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and specialist aids. She also championed a broad programme of events and activities that have helped keep the OI community informed, connected and supported across the UK and Ireland.
Patricia has helped raise the profile of OI care at Parliamentary level and led the Society’s engagement with policymakers, helping to deliver influential events at both the Scottish Parliament and Westminster that highlighted gaps in rare disease care and amplified the voices of people affected by OI.
Reflecting on her time with the charity, Patricia said:
“It has been the greatest privilege of my professional life to help carry out the mission of the Brittle Bone Society. I’ve enjoyed the support of an amazing Board of Trustees and the commitment of exceptional, hard-working staff. I will really miss the warmth and encouragement of everyone in the OI community.
“I am confident, however, that the charity will continue to provide support when it is needed and carry on the fight to ensure the voices of people living with OI are heard and understood.”
Chair of Trustees, Elaine Healey, added:
“After 16 years of dedicated and inspirational leadership, our Chief Executive, Patricia Osborne, has decided to retire. Throughout Patricia’s time at the helm, she has played a key role in shaping and strengthening our charity. I am deeply grateful for her collaborative approach, her compassion, ingenuity and tremendous energy.
“Patricia’s are big shoes to fill. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I sincerely thank her for her dedication to the OI community, her unwavering commitment to the Brittle Bone Society and the enthusiasm she has brought to the role throughout her years of service.”
The recruitment process to appoint Patricia’s successor is ongoing, with further details to be announced in due course.
Ends.