Barnardo's chief Javed Khan steps down

In a statement released yesterday (28 July), Khan said he had made the decision after “reflecting in some depth on what is now best for me and my family”.

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He will continue to support the charity’s board until the end of December, the chief executive, who joined Barnardo’s in May 2014, added.

Lynn Perry, corporate director of children’s services at Barnardo’s, will take up the position of acting chief executive, the charity has announced.

Khan said: “I have been mesmerised by the brilliance of Barnardo’s. Its purpose, its people and the outcomes they deliver for vulnerable children and young people, are second to none.

“However, all things considered, I believe the time is right for me and for Barnardo’s to move forward with a new leader.

“In terms of what I will do next, I am taking some time to reflect and consider a range of options for the way forward.”

Dozens of people from across the sector rushed to congratulate Khan on his achievements at the charity.

Amanda Naylor, chief executive of Manchester’s Youth Zone, said: “I worked under your leadership for almost a decade and have been provided with some amazing opportunities and challenges.”

Shadim Hussain, chief executive at My Foster Family, added: “I fully appreciate everything you have done for vulnerable children and in particular your tremendous efforts and innovative leadership to raise the profile of BAME lead organisations has opened the door for many other leaders.”

Prior to leading Barnardo’s, Khan held positions including chief executive of Victim Support (England and Wales), assistant director of Birmingham City Council, executive director of the London Serious Youth Violence Board and as a member of the advisory board to former children’s commissioner for England Anne Longfield.

Khan also received an OBE for services to children and young people in this year’s Queen’s birthday honours.

Barnardo’s chair of trustees, John Bartlett said: “On behalf of Barnardo’s board of trustees, I want to thank Javed Khan for his significant contributions to the charity over seven years. “The charity has thrived in this period, reaching more vulnerable children than ever before, and growing its capacity for innovation, including through the Barnardo’s Foundation and The BU, Barnardo’s corporate university. 

“We are particularly grateful to Javed and the whole leadership team for successfully steering the charity through the Covid pandemic.”