The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Alison O’Sullivan as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Alison has worked extensively in the children’s sector in senior roles, and has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children in the UK.
She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Children’s Commissioner for England, providing advice, challenge and scrutiny to the Commissioner and their office.
Alison was elected Vice President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services in 2014/15 and served as its President during 2015/16. She is also a former Co-chair of the Government’s expert panel on the mental health needs of children in care.
Anna Feuchtwang, Chief Executive of NCB said:
‘Alison has been at the heart of children’s policy improvement, from the Marmot review to Future in Mind which led to the changes in the government’s approach to children’s mental health. Her leadership in the children’s sector at the most senior level will be a great asset to NCB as we face significant challenges in improving outcomes for children with continuing financial pressures on services, growing levels of household poverty, and increasing levels of stress damaging children’s emotional wellbeing. Thanks to the leadership of our brilliant and dedicated outgoing Chair, Elaine Simpson, we have an ambitious new strategy and a strong platform to build on. With Alison’s understanding of the issues facing the charity sector and vulnerable children, as well as her proven leadership skills, we are confident that she is the right person to steer NCB and join us in our determination to improve children’s lives.’
Alison O’Sullivan, New Chair of Trustees:
‘In these troubled times it is vital that the voice of all children be heard. It will be my privilege to play a part in NCB pushing for change through research, policy and collaborating with others in the sector to ensure that children continue to have a powerful voice.
Elaine Simpson, Outgoing Chair of Trustees said:
‘I have treasured my time as Chair of the Board of Trustees at NCB and will miss working with this dedicated and talented team of people. I am delighted, however, to pass the Chair’s baton on to Alison who I have no doubt will be an excellent chair and support the organisation successfully through the next stage of its journey.’
Alison O’Sullivan will take up her new role at NCB at the start of January 2019.