2024-01-15 10:00:39
Learning disability charity Hft appoints new CEO
Hft, the learning disability charity, has appointed Steve Veevers as its new Chief Executive Officer from 1 January 2024.
He replaces Kirsty Matthews who has stepped down after three years in the role.
Steve has over 25 years of social care and health experience, having worked as a senior leader in national and regional not-for-profit care providers, local Government and consultancy work to the benefit of social care.
Before joining Hft, Steve was the Managing Director of a large, not-for-profit adult care provider in the South West of England, a Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and a Senior Executive in a national learning disability charity. In these roles, he has been able to enable people who draw upon care and support to have person centred, independence focused and community-based care that allows individuals to live the lives they want.
“I’ve had the privilege of working for people who draw upon care and support throughout my career and I’m delighted to be joining and serving Hft as its CEO at a crucial time in its history. It’s clear that social care is at such a fragile time, with workforce, financial and image issues rampant. It’s massively important that Hft and providers like ours can continue to be a leading voice in calling for long-term change, while also demonstrating that change can happen.
“I’ve already seen and heard of colleagues at Hft doing extraordinary things to make sure that learning disabled people are able to live their best possible lives.
“I am looking forward to supporting the charity to continue delivering against the pioneering spirit of the founding families to do more and better for learning disabled adults with the same grace and determination that I’ve seen demonstrated across our care and support teams.”
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Amanda Bunce, says: “Steve brings with him a commitment to collaborative approaches across local communities, not-for-profit providers and statutory organisations to help people live their best lives, something he will support Hft to continue doing well.”
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 07500 224654 or email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
