Action for Children chief Julie Bentley resigns
Fiona Simpson
Friday, February 14, 2020
Action for Children’s chief executive has stepped down after 18 months in the post.
Julie Bentley, who took the top spot at the charity in August 2018, praised her colleagues as she announced her resignation on Twitter.
“For personal reasons I have resigned from the wonderful Action for Children,” she said.
“Colleagues from across the Action for Children family are some of the very best people I have encountered in my 25-year charity sector career.
Thread. 1/2: For personal reasons I have resigned from the wonderful @actnforchildren . Colleagues from across the Action for Children family are some of the very best people I have encountered in my 25 year charity sector career.
— Julie Bentley (@juliebentley) February 14, 2020
“They have consistently inspired me and made me feel proud. I am honoured to have served them these past 18 months and I will remain a passionate champion and supporter of their vital work for children and young people and families,” she added.
Deputy chief executive Carol Iddon will temporarily lead the organisation, Action for Children said.
Bentley was previously chief executive at Girlguiding for six years.
Sad to be saying goodbye to our CEO Julie Bentley. We will miss you! https://t.co/KSfC8Zuc2s
— Action for Children (@actnforchildren) February 14, 2020
She has also led the Family Planning Association and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
Bentley started her career as a youth worker before becoming director of the Alcohol Recovery Project.
An Action for Children spokesperson said: “[Julie] has been an incredibly visible frontline chief executive inspiring staff across the UK and during her time, she’s led the work to develop a new brand, vision, mission and values as well as pioneering the launch of our Choose Childhood campaign.
"The charity, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, will now begin the process of appointing an interim chief executive.”