Member News: Barnardo’s appoints new Chair and Trustees to its Board.

The UK’s largest children’s charity, Barnardo’s, is welcoming three new members to its Board of Trustees, including a new Chair.

The charity has appointed Mark Wood to succeed John Bartlett who has reached the end of his term after four years as Barnardo’s Chair of Trustees, and a further five years on the Board.

Mark Wood is the current Chair of two global technology businesses, and the former Editor-in-Chief of Reuters and CEO/Chair of ITN. Mark will join the Board as a Trustee from 1 August 2023 and will take over as Chair from November, following Barnardo’s Annual General Meeting.  

Alongside Mark, two trustees are also joining the Board from September.

Koulla Yiasouma is a former Northern Ireland Commissioner for children and young people with 25 years’ experience across the children’s sector. She will supplement the Board’s expertise in children’s services.  

Breid O’Brien is a consultant and former Director of Innovation and Digital Health with NHS England. She brings her many years of experience from the health and care sector to enhance the Board’s skills in innovation, change and digital. 

Barnardo’s CEO Lynn Perry MBE said:

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming three wonderful additions to our Board of Trustees. The members will each bring a huge wealth of knowledge and expertise that will assist Barnardo’s in responding to the changing external environment and ensuring that the charity is fit for the future.  

“John has also worked with the Board and the Executive to steer the charity successfully through some unprecedented external events – including the Covid pandemic. He has also overseen the charity’s innovative and effective response to the changing challenges facing children – including through the establishment of a cost-of-living crisis fund and by providing emergency support for children and families seeking sanctuary in the UK, including from Ukraine.

“We are extremely grateful to John for his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to Barnardo’s. During his time as Chair, the charity has gone from strength to strength, continuing to deliver vital services and reaching even more of the children and young people across the UK who need us most.”​​​

On his appointment, Mark Wood said:

“I am delighted to be joining Barnardo’s as the new Chair of Trustees.   Growing up, my parents were regular supporters of the charity because they believed it gave hope to the children who needed it most.  

 “With so many challenges facing young people today, Barnardo’s has a critical role to play. I’m honoured to be taking on this position in such an outstanding organisation, and I look forward to working closely with the Board, the CEO, and the whole charity to help make sure children across the UK are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful.” 

Source:
www.barnardos.org.uk/news/

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