Dr Ed Day was appointed the UK government’s Drug Recovery Champion in May 2019 to promote the best treatment and support for those recovering from drug misuse. Dr Day is a leading clinician and academic who provides nationwide leadership on key aspects of the recovery agenda. This includes drawing upon his existing experiences and knowledge to bring together a national perspective, holding both the government and local partners to account for doing what is needed to improve outcomes for those in recovery from substance misuse. His first annual report outlines the work he has undertaken since his appointment and sets out his future work programme.