David Blythe - Driving Mobility

David Blythe

General Manager, William Merritt Centre, Leeds

David is an experienced Operations Manager with a record of achievement in general management, strategic formulation, project and financial management gained in both the Third Sector and Manufacturing Industry.

Before moving to the Third Sector, David’s career was in the design and manufacturing of electronic equipment where he developed a personal interest in how technology could be used to assist day to day living.

After changing career in 2000 David joined Arthritis Care as the Regional Manager for North England and developed his skills in contract negotiation and Branch development within the Third Sector.

Now as General Manager for the William Merritt Centre, David was influential in moving the Centre from the NHS to be an independent Charity and Social Enterprise, in 2013. In 2017 he was also responsible for overseeing the move to their new premises in Rodley, Leeds.

With his personal experience and career knowledge he is able to provide informed leadership to assist the team in providing an extensive range of assistive living services.

David is passionate about independent living and works closely with Leeds University as a Patient Mentor to inform future NHS Doctors what it is like living with a long-term condition. He joined the Driving Mobility Board in 2016.