The chief executive of Barnardo’s Anne Marie Carrie will leave the children’s charity next month after nearly three years in the role to set up her own consultancy.

Barnardo’s deputy chief executive, Peter Brook, will be acting chief executive of the charity while the board seeks a permanent successor.

In a statement Carrie said:

“It has been my joy and pleasure to have led Barnardo’s through several highly successful years, in developing a new vision, updating its purpose and to have initiated the implementation of new ways of working that will ensure Barnardo’s transforms the lives of even more vulnerable children and young people in the future.

“In particular, I am very proud of our work reaching, fighting for and supporting those children who are being sexually exploited, who are in care or who are the children of prisoners.

“I have been humbled by the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of Barnardo’s staff, volunteers and supporters in their efforts to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.  I am confident that I am leaving Barnardo’s in a strong position for the future and in capable hands.”

Barnardo’s board of trustees thanked Carrie for her leadership, which led to the launch of a new strategic plan for the charity.