The Rise of Mark Moody: Leadership, Lived Experience, and the Mission of Change Grow Live

In this episode of the Believe in People podcast, we spoke with Mark Moody, Chief Executive of Change Grow Live, the UK’s leading health and social care charity. Mark’s story offers a thoughtful look at leadership, growth, and the power of consistent, values-driven work in supporting people to change the direction of their lives.

This conversation traces his journey from an entry-level role to leading a national organisation that supports thousands of people every day. It also explores how his lived experience during Scotland’s heroin epidemic shaped his understanding of addiction and recovery, and how those insights continue to guide Change Grow Live’s approach to support, inclusion, and public health.

From Entry-Level to CEO: Growth Grounded in Purpose

When Mark joined the organisation, it was small - around forty colleagues working in a handful of local services. Today, Change Grow Live employs more than four thousand people across the UK. This growth represents far more than scale. It reflects an evolving understanding of what people need from services and how local partnerships, lived experience, and compassion can shape effective support.

Mark’s progression through the organisation illustrates the importance of developing leadership from within. His background in frontline work gives him a close understanding of the daily challenges faced by staff and people who use services. That perspective has informed the organisation’s wider transformation - expanding access, improving quality, and embedding respect for people at every stage of support.

The story of Change Grow Live’s development is one of steady adaptation. Its growth has been guided by a clear focus on accessibility, safety, and evidence-based practice, and by an ongoing commitment to the values that define its work: being open, being bold, and being compassionate.

Early Experience and the Scottish Heroin Epidemic

Mark grew up in Scotland during a period when the heroin epidemic was deeply affecting families and communities. This context remains central to how he understands the impact of addiction and the importance of responsive, community-based services.

For many people, the epidemic was not an abstract issue but a lived reality that shaped entire neighbourhoods. That experience gave Mark a direct understanding of the challenges people face when systems of support are limited or inaccessible. It also strengthened his belief that recovery must begin with compassion, opportunity, and inclusion.

These early experiences continue to influence his leadership today. They inform the organisation’s belief that support should never be conditional on judgement, and that people deserve to be met where they are, with understanding and hope.

Leadership Lessons from the Ground Up

Throughout our conversation, Mark spoke about the importance of learning from the ground up. Having worked in direct service delivery, he understands the realities of frontline work - the pressures, the barriers, and the human stories that sit behind every statistic.

He emphasised that effective leadership in a large charity depends on communication, trust, and shared purpose. People need to feel part of a collective mission, and leaders must listen to those delivering the work. His approach centres on creating an environment where colleagues can thrive, grow, and contribute ideas that shape better outcomes for the people they support.

Mark also reflected on the importance of resilience and adaptability. The sector continues to face complex challenges - from public perceptions of addiction to changing national policy - and leaders must balance stability with innovation. He described leadership not as hierarchy but as service: enabling others, maintaining focus on purpose, and being open to learning from mistakes.

This practical, grounded view of leadership mirrors the organisation’s broader ethos - that real change happens when people work together with honesty, humility, and shared intent.

Policy and Progress: The Role of Dame Carol Black’s Review

Mark also discussed the influence of Dame Carol Black’s Independent Review of Drugs, a landmark analysis that continues to shape national policy and funding priorities.

The review highlighted the need for stronger integration between health, housing, employment, and social care - areas in which Change Grow Live plays an active role. For Mark, the review underscored the value of evidence-based approaches and the importance of long-term investment in prevention and recovery.

He spoke about how the organisation aligns its work with national guidance, translating recommendations into practical action. This includes expanding harm reduction services, strengthening clinical governance, and supporting people holistically - addressing not only substance use, but also mental health, housing, and social connection.

The review’s impact extends beyond policy. It has helped to shift the national conversation toward seeing addiction as a health issue rather than a moral one - a perspective that lies at the heart of Change Grow Live’s mission.

Addressing Stigma and Shaping Public Understanding

Public perception remains one of the most significant challenges in tackling addiction. Mark acknowledged that stigma often prevents people from seeking help, and that language plays a powerful role in either reinforcing or dismantling that stigma.

Change Grow Live works to challenge misconceptions and promote a more compassionate understanding of addiction and recovery.  The organisation’s message is clear: addiction is a complex health condition, not a personal failure. Everyone deserves access to respectful, high-quality support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Through its partnerships, outreach, and communications, Change Grow Live continues to advocate for inclusion and understanding. Its services are designed to meet people where they are, working collaboratively to identify goals and create sustainable change.

This approach goes beyond treatment. It encompasses employment support, housing advice, mental health interventions, and community engagement - recognising that recovery is a process of rebuilding every part of life, not just addressing substance use.

A Steady Commitment to Change, Growth, and Living Well

Mark Moody’s journey from frontline worker to Chief Executive reflects the wider story of Change Grow Live: growth through purpose, understanding through experience, and leadership through service.

His reflections remind us that progress in this sector is not defined by quick wins but by sustained commitment - to people, to evidence, and to the belief that everyone has potential.

The conversation with Mark offers insight into what it takes to lead a national charity with humanity and vision, while remaining close to the people and communities it serves.