CYP Now - Interview: Constructive career move - Martin Narey, chiefexecutive, Barnardo's

Martin Narey has gone from Childcatcher to Mary Poppins in one easy step. At least that's how some in the children's sector will view his move from heading up the prison service, which does not have a great history of treating children well, to chief executive at Barnardo's.

He admits it's a big change but insists there are common themes betweenhis old and new jobs. "For most of my working career in prisons and withprobation, I have worked with young people," he says. "I started workingin a young offender establishment and even in an adult prison most ofthe people are still young people - the vast majority are under 24."

Asked what attracted him to the Barnardo's role, he says: "I saw thechance to do something much earlier, doing something constructive, andperhaps making a more significant long-term impact because of that."

But he acknowledges Barnardo's staff, and others, may be somewhatperplexed by his appointment. "I have spent a lot of time trying toexplain why I have moved. I am sure a lot of people, nevertheless, havereservations. It's up to me to convince them," he states firmly.

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