Baroness Sue Gray, is the new chair of The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA).

The distinguished public servant whose career in government has spanned more than four decades takes over the role from John Farrell, who was chair of the USPCA for the last eight years.

USPCA Chief Executive Heather Weir warmly welcomed Sue’s appointment saying:

“I welcome the appointment of Sue as our new Chair and know she will bring a wealth of experience and insight as we grow the charity into the future. I want to pay tribute to outgoing chair Dr John Farrell who has been Chair of the USPCA for the last eight years. His leadership and dedication are boundless, and his commitment and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the organisation to where we are today.

“I also want to welcome new board members Paul, Bernard and Lyle who will add even further rich expertise, leadership and experience to the work of the USPCA.”

Speaking about the appointment Sue Gray said: 

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the USPCA. The organisation plays a vital role in protecting animals and supporting communities across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with colleagues, volunteers and partners to build on its strong foundations and drive forward our mission to prevent cruelty and relieve suffering.”

Outgoing chair Dr John Farrell added: “It has been an immense privilege to serve as Chair of the USPCA over the past eight years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in advancing animal welfare across Northern Ireland. I am delighted to welcome Sue Gray as my successor: her experience, integrity and passion will be invaluable as the charity enters its next chapter and I look forward to supporting the USPCA’s work in the years ahead.”

The charity is also announcing new board members Paul Crawford, an experienced veterinarian, academic and sheep farmer; Bernard Grimley a financial expert with 30 years' experience and Lyle Watters a former senior executive at Ford Motor Company with almost 40 years of board-level experience across global markets.

The charity continues to provide critical support to animals and families as part of its daily work. Across 2025-26 it provided a lifeline to thousands of animals, rehoming 384 companion animals and responding to an unprecedented 2,354 wildlife rescues, marking a 42.3% increase on the previous year. Other highlights included:

• 68,658 calls handled from concerned members of the public and queries

• 10,531 veterinary consults and surgery - a rise of 34% on previous year

• 6,773 pet food parcels distributed through 51 food banks, helping families keep beloved pets during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

• 740 veterinary vouchers to ensure timely treatment for injured wildlife

• 237 animals fostered by volunteers - a rise of 295% on previous year

 

Notes to Editors:

For queries get in touch with Áine Magee Associate Director, Connect a.magee@connectpa.co.uk

Bios of new Chair and Board Members:

Sue Gray, Baroness Gray of Tottenham, CBE

Sue Gray is a distinguished public servant with four decades in government. Renowned for integrity, leadership and commitment to civic life, she has held influential roles across the UK civil service and political advisory landscape. She worked in departments including Transport and Work and Pensions, becoming Second Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office and Levelling Up department, and Permanent Secretary in Northern Ireland’s Department of Finance. She became Chief of Staff to Sir Keir Starmer, in Opposition and Government. Appointed to the House of Lords in 2025, she supports animal welfare and adopted a stray dog. She is a member of Queen’s University Senate.

Paul Crawford, BVetMed PhD CertVA MRCVS

Paul Crawford is veterinarian, researcher, and a sheep farmer. He graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, in 1998 and spent his early career in academic clinical practice in the UK and Canada. He later transitioned into private veterinary practice, specialising in anaesthesia, emergency medicine and small animal care. In recent years, he has focused on research within Northern Ireland’s sheep sector and served as President of the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Bernard Grimley

Bernard Grimley joined the Board in April 2026. A career banker with nearly 30 years’ experience in financial services, Bernard has held senior management roles within Bank of Ireland, leading corporate and business banking teams across Northern Ireland. He is particularly passionate about supporting local businesses, ensuring they have access to the right funding solutions to drive growth and enable their communities to thrive. With two dogs at home and a long-standing passion for animal welfare, Bernard was delighted by the opportunity to join the USPCA.

Lyle Watters

Lyle is an experienced leader with 37 years’ experience at Ford Motor Company, most recently as a corporate officer and Vice President and General Manager for Ford Passenger Vehicles China, and President of Ford South American operations. He previously served at a corporate level for the organisation in a number of other global markets and has extensive experience on multiple international joint venture boards. He is a member of the Queen’s University Senate.