Baroness Howarth’s involvement with Shaftesbury spanned nearly two decades and left an enduring legacy. A committed champion of social care, disability rights, and safeguarding, Valerie brought clarity, compassion, and conviction to everything she did. She first came to prominence within our organisation during the 2007 merger of The Shaftesbury Society and John Grooms, playing a key role in uniting the charities based on their shared Christian ethos and commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Valerie served as Chair of Trustees during three years of complex transition, overseeing critical decisions with wisdom and resolve. She later chaired the Residential Services Committee, where she advocated for quality care, respite provision, and championed the case of staff and residents alike. Among her many contributions, she was instrumental in establishing a separate Safeguarding Board, which continues to guide our work today.
In public life, Valerie made significant contributions to the national conversation on health, social care, and child protection. She received the title of Baroness in 2001, sitting as a crossbencher in the House of Lords, and was widely recognised for her voice in debates. Her final contribution in the Lords was made in 2024, a testament to her unwavering 23-years of duty.
Despite her considerable achievements, Valerie remained humble. She brought a dry wit, piercing memory, and deep understanding to her interactions. Her support remained steadfast even through recent changes to our organisation, including our transition to the Shaftesbury name.
We are honoured to have had Valerie’s leadership, guidance and friendship over so many years. Her legacy lives on in our work because she believed in being “all together better” for disability.
Her funeral takes place on 25th April in Norfolk where we will pay our final respects.