Lynn Perry has been appointed as the permanent CEO of Barnardo’s.
She has worked at the children’s charity for 13 years, most recently as interim co-CEO following Javed Khan’s departure last year.
Perry joined Barnardo’s in 2008 as an assistant director of children’s services before being promoted to regional director North West in 2013. Since 2019, Lynn has served as the corporate director for children’s services.
Previously she worked at The Children’s Society and in 2007 she received an MBE for services to youth justice in the North West of England.
John Bartlett, chair of Barnardo’s, said: “During Lynn’s service at the charity she has demonstrated her phenomenal grasp of the issues affecting vulnerable children and families, as well as her capacity for innovation and creativity.
“Lynn is deeply committed to driving forward the charity’s strategic direction, with a strong emphasis on culture and inclusion, and we believe the charity will continue to go from strength to strength in her immensely capable hands.”
Khan stepped down last summer and shortly afterwards Perry and Michelle Lee-Izu, director of development, as interim co-CEOs.
‘Honour and a privilege’
Barnardo’s is one of the largest children’s charities in the UK. It has an income of £280m and employs over 7,000 people.
Perry said that taking on the CEO role permanently was an “honour and a privilege”.
She added: “Today, we know that children’s needs are growing and changing fast, exacerbated by the pandemic, and we must continue to innovate and adapt, so we can continue to respond to challenges like children’s mental health, new risks to their safety on- and offline, the growing number of children going into local authority care, and the specific needs of vulnerable and diverse groups, including refugees.
“The work of Barnardo’s remains crucial to improving children’s lives and making sure their voice and experience is heard by decision makers. I look forward to working with my fantastic colleagues, our partners, donors, and supporters, to achieve this vital mission.”
Lee-Izu will support the transition and then return to her main role as corporate director, development and innovation by 1 May.
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