NSPCC chief executive Andrew Flanagan to stand down

A spokesman for the charity confirmed that Andrew Flanagan is leaving the post for personal reasons, having steered the charity through major changes over the past four years, including a new strategy that saw the organisation reorganise its network of 140 local centres into larger regional hubs.

Under Flanagan’s leadership, the charity also launched several evidence-based initiatives, including a UK version of a US scheme designed to reduce non-accidental head injuries in babies by showing new parents an educational DVD on the issue.

The chairman of the NSPCC, Mark Wood, said Flanagan has had a “tremendous impact” during his time at the NSPCC.

“He has created a clear direction and focus for us to achieve our ultimate aim of ending cruelty to children while ensuring the financial health of the NSPCC through difficult economic times – so important for a charity which depends largely on the generosity of voluntary donations from the public,” he said. “We extend our thanks to Andrew and wish him every success for the future.”

Flanagan said it had been an “immense privilege” to lead the NSPCC for the last few years. ?“I am very proud of what my colleagues, staff, volunteers and supporters have been able to achieve on behalf of children,” he said.

“Not only have we created some of the most pioneering and innovative services for children in the UK but we have broadened our ChildLine services online and into primary schools while ensuring every child contacting us gets an answer anytime, day or night.

“We are helping more children than ever before, demonstrating more clearly the impact we are having and striving ever more effectively towards our goal of ending cruelty to children.”