NSPCC director retires

NSPCC director Chris Brown has retired from the organisation due
to a stress-related illness.

Brown, 57, who headed the child care charity for the past six
years, took the decision to retire after medical advice.

Jim Harding, director of children’s services, is acting director
until the post is filled.

Brown’s sudden departure has shocked staff and volunteers.

Ruthie Phillips, who represents the north west on the board of
trustees, said Brown was ‘dynamic, energetic and brought the
society right up to the twenty-first century in its thinking’.

Brown helped set up the National Commission of Inquiry into the
Prevention of Child Abuse, which is undertaking a major
investigation into child abuse.

Phillips refuted suggestions that a NSPCC survey in June, which
claimed that one in six people had been a victim of sexual assault,
and was criticised by government ministers, had anything to do with
Brown’s illness or departure.

Jim Harding said: ‘The NSPCC owes a great debt to Chris for his
outstanding personal commitment to child protection and children’s
rights and his inspirational leadership, courage and sheer hard
work over the past six years.’