BAAF chief executive steps down from post

Felicity Collier is set to stand down from her role as chief executive of BAAF next June, it was announced today.

Collier, who has led the charity over the last decade, will retire next summer and recruitment for a new chief executive will begin in November to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

Collier said she had “thoroughly enjoyed” her time at the helm: “Now is the right time for me personally to change direction but BAAF has an incredibly busy year ahead in 2006 with groundbreaking new developments.”

“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we will be expanding our services into Northern Ireland, developing our family finding services to include direct involvement by disabled  children and creative use of the internet and supporting our members implement new children’s and adoption legislation across the UK,” she added.

Readers of Community Care voted Collier the most influential person in social care for children in 1995.

Chair of BAAF Anthony Douglas said: “She has raised the profile of child care services in the UK, has repeatedly spoken out on several big issues facing children, their families and their social workers and been a significant influence on the shape of recent child care and adoption legislation.”

“We wish her a long and happy retirement, although knowing Felicity, she won’t be quiet for long.”