Hft and Self Unlimited merged at the end of April with the latter's chief executive set to stand down, it was announced today.

The new organisation will be known as Hft, employ 3,000 staff, have an annual turnover of almost £70m, and support almost 3,000 adults with learning disabilities. 

Robert Longley-Cook (pictured), Hft’s chief executive, will lead the new organisation. He said: “The merger provides us with the opportunity to support even more people with learning disabilities, whilst helping to strengthen our organisation in a challenging economic climate.”

Self Unlimited chief executive, Patrick Wallace will leave the organisation at the end of June, the rest of Self Unlimited’s 1,200 staff will be transferred to Hft, which currently has 1,800 staff.

Wallace said: “The coming together of these two excellent charities will deliver more options for the people being supported and those requiring support in the future. Families and stakeholders want to know that organisations are sustainable and provide quality services. This partnership provides just that.”

All of Self Unlimited’s trustees were appointed to Hft’s board at an extraordinary general meeting on Saturday 27 April 2013, with Hft’s current chair Professor David Croisdale-Appleby remaining as chair of the expanded board.

HRH the Princess Royal will remain as patron of Hft with Self Unlimited’s Royal patron, HRH Princess Alexandra stepping down.