The chief executive of Barnardo’s Javed Khan has stepped down from his role after seven years at the helm of the children’s charity.

Javed Khan has said that since he started the role in May 2014, he has been “mesmerised by the brilliance” of Barnardo’s, but, after reflecting on what is best for him and his family, he will be moving on.

“I believe the time is right for me and for Barnardo’s to move forward with a new leader. I am delighted that Lynn Perry, our Corporate Director of Children’s Services Operations, will be Acting CEO from today. I know that with Lynn and with our whole Corporate Leadership Team, the charity will be in very safe hands,” said Mr Khan, adding that he would continue to support the Board until December.

Javed Khan initially trained to be a teacher then later worked as a director of education in local government, then the Government Office for London, before becoming CEO of Victim Support

Mr Khan took over as chief executive of Barnardo’s from Anne Marie Carrie who led the charity after Sir Martin Narey left Barnardo’s in 2011.

Chair of Trustees, John Bartlett, said: “On behalf of Barnardo’s Board of Trustees, I want to thank Javed Khan for his significant contributions to the charity over seven years. The charity has thrived in this period, reaching more vulnerable children than ever before, and growing its capacity for innovation, including through the Barnardo’s Foundation and The BU, Barnardo’s corporate university. We are particularly grateful to Javed and the whole leadership team for successfully steering the charity through the COVID pandemic.

“Barnardo’s plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable children and families across the UK, and the Board will be working closely with Acting CEO Lynn Perry and her colleagues as we continue to fulfill our mission,” he concluded.