News

Jails chief Narey to head Barnardo's Barnardo's has chosen the government's prisons and probation head, Martin Narey, as its new chief executive.

Narey, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service (Noms), will take the post even though he has no background in children's services.

However, his appointment has been warmly received in social care.

John Coughlan, chair of the Association of Directors of Social Services' children and families committee, said: "He's obviously an extremely competent person who's going to bring great skills to Barnardo's."


There will be speculation that Noms's troubled short history will have played a part in his decision. The organisation was established last year as a result of the prison and probation services merging and has faced a barrage of opposition, particularly from probation union Napo.

But Narey said: "Improving the life chances of offenders, most of them young people, has been my life for 23 years. I now have a unique opportunity to contribute to the vital work of Barnardo's in improving the life chances of all young people."

He will succeed Roger Singleton, who retires at the end of the year.