Abbeyfield Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer

Thursday 22nd May 2008

The Abbeyfield Society, one of the largest voluntary sector UK wide providers of housing support and care for older people, has appointed Paul Allen as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Abbeyfield helps around 7,500 older people each year through a national network of supported sheltered houses, care homes and a growing number of extra care schemes welcomes Paul who was previously Deputy Chief Executive at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in Reading. Paul brings a wealth of leadership, strategy, customer service skills and experience. Prior to his time at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust his previous roles also include three years as Managing Director of ABP Connect, a subsidiary of Associated British Ports Holdings PLC and positions with Exel PLC, Mars Inc and ICI PLC.

Paul commented "I'm very much looking forward to the challenge of running Abbeyfield. I have a strong commitment to the values of the movement, the promotion of volunteering and above all the chance to lead an organisation whose mission is to make a difference to people's lives.

Abbeyfield is one of the UK's leading providers of housing, support and care for older people, yet is still known as one of Britain's best kept secrets. Raising the profile of the organisation and the services that are offered through the network of 250 independent volunteer led local Abbeyfield societies or through Abbeyfield UK, our subsidiary housing association, will be paramount. Over the next 25 years the number of people over the age of 75 will grow by 75% and therefore the challenge for Abbeyfield will be to provide more services to more older people to meet defined local needs".

The Abbeyfield Society Chairman, Michael Staff, said: "I am particularly delighted that Paul is joining Abbeyfield. His skills, experience and personality will strengthen the charity's ability to meet the challenges of an ageing population and ensure that we are a market leader when it comes to delivering services to older people. Paul will join a team of committed staff, volunteers and trustees and we look forward to welcoming him."

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