All change at the top
The UK’s biggest children’s charity has announced Lynn Perry MBE as its new permanent CEO.
Following a robust recruitment process, the board at Barnardo's appointed Perry to the role saying they were confident she has the values, commitment, skills and experience to drive the charity forward.
Perry has worked at the charity for 13 years, most recently as interim co-CEO, alongside Michelle Lee-Izu.
She joined in 2008 as an assistant director of children’s services before being promoted to regional director North West in 2013.
Since 2019 Perry has served as the corporate director for children’s services with responsibility for around 800 services, reaching over 300,000 vulnerable children, young people and families across the UK.
Prior to joining Barnardo’s, Perry worked at The Children’s Society in children’s services operational and leadership roles, and in local authority roles including youth offending, education and youth services.
In 2007 she received an MBE for services to youth justice in the North West of England, in recognition of her work.
John Bartlett, chair of trustees at Barnardo’s said: “The Board is delighted to appoint Lynn to the role of permanent CEO of Barnardo’s, and we have full confidence in her exceptional, inspirational and values-led leadership.
“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.”
Lynn Perry MBE, CEO at Barnardo’s said: “As someone who has devoted my professional life to working with vulnerable children, it is an honour and a privilege to be appointed CEO of Barnardo’s.
“Having served the charity for more than 13 years, in several different roles, I am incredibly proud of the difference we make to the children and families who need us most, and I have deep respect and admiration for the thousands of colleagues and volunteers who make our work possible.
“Barnardo’s has achieved some amazing things over more than 150 years. 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.”
