A £10m children’s hospice charity has announced the appointment of its new chief executive.
Jane Long will lead Helen & Douglas House, which supports families with terminally ill children in the Thames Valley, providing care at its hospice in Oxford, in families’ homes and in hospitals.
Clare Periton, the current chief executive, will retire later this year having spent eight years as chief and ten years prior to that as director of clinical services and deputy chief executive. Periton will remain in post until Jane starts her new role later this year.
Long is currently executive director of corporate services at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, one of the UK’s largest providers of affordable housing and care and social/community support services, with a £500m turnover and over 2,000 staff.
Ian Blair, Lord Blair of Boughton, chair of the board of Helen & Douglas House, said: “Jane brings with her a wealth of relevant experience in senior roles and has a proven track record of success.
“We believe that she is an excellent candidate to lead Helen & Douglas House through its next phase of development. Jane's leadership skills, strategic vision and commitment to excellence, align perfectly with our values and long-term goals.”
Long said: “When I came on my first visit to Helen & Douglas House, not only was I struck by what a special place it is, but by the passion, commitment and care of all who work there.
“I can think of nothing more rewarding than leading the team as the next CEO and am looking forward to joining the charity towards the end of this year.”
Periton said: “Helen & Douglas House is the world’s first children’s hospice and has been caring for children and their families for 40 years.
"I am incredibly proud of everything that our talented staff and volunteers have achieved and after eighteen years’ service it is the right time for me to step down. I wish Jane every success in this role which I have enjoyed immensely.”