After nearly 20 years, a new director is taking over at the country’s leading children’s charity. Michele Janes, who is already the director of Barnardo’s in Northern Ireland, will now also take over as director of the charity in Scotland. She takes over from Martin Crewe, who has led the work of Barnardo’s in Scotland since 2007, and is retiring later this month.
Michele said: “It’s a great privilege for me to have this opportunity to work with another group of amazing colleagues, volunteers and young people and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Martin for his tireless work in Scotland for Barnardo’s over the course of the past two decades.
“I started my journey into social work in Edinburgh where I lived and worked before moving back to Belfast. I’ve worked in local authority social work, child protection, youth justice and across the statutory sector, finally settling at Barnardo’s Northern Ireland. I’m passionate about children’s rights and am relishing the opportunity to continue that work in Scotland.”
Martin Crewe, the outgoing director, said: “I am delighted to be handing over the management and oversight of Barnardo’s Scotland to Michele Janes. She is a trusted colleague who worked in Scotland for many years and has a deep understanding of the unique challenges we are facing to deliver The Promise and tackle child poverty. I know she will be highly committed to ensure that we keep on delivering for Scotland’s most disadvantaged children and young people.”
With more than 30 years’ experience as a qualified social worker, and in leading children’s services, Michele has spent her career listening to children and families navigating some of the toughest circumstances – and turning their voices into action.
Barnardo’s has been helping children, young people and families to be safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful for more than 150 years. Last year, the charity provided essential support to more than 350,000 children, parents and carers through more than 650 services and partnerships across the UK. In Scotland, we supported more than 12,000 children, young people, parents and carers through 160 services.
This vital work is only possible thanks to Barnardo’s partners and supporters. Together, they bring love, care and hope into children’s lives, so every child can feel like they belong. To donate, volunteer or fundraise for Barnardo’s in Scotland, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.