Head of Norwood to stand down in autumn

The head of a charity for people with learning difficulties has announced her resignation after steering it through the worst fundraising trough of its existence during lockdown.

Dr Beverley Jacobson has decided to step down from her role as chief executive of Norwood in the autumn after three and a half years.

Dr Jacobson joined Norwood from Kisharon in 2018 and has been an outspoken advocate for people with learning disabilities and autism.

Her “person-centred” focus drove the organisation, whose mission is “to empower the people Norwood supports to live the most independent and fulfilling lives possible”.

Dr Jacobson steered the organisation through the unprecedented challenges posed by Covid-19, with her leadership team helping to keep Norwood’s services running, and its users safe.

She became known for her relentless drive to modernise Norwood, addressing the most critical issues facing the sector – for example she ensured it consulted with the Ravenswood community on the future of Norwood’s services there.

Dr Jacobson has also made her mark as a fundraiser for Norwood, engaging with donors at every opportunity and personally raising thousands of pounds with challenge events and introducing new fundraising projects.

She now wants to look at new opportunities and hand over to a new chief executive.

Norwood chair Neville Kahn said: “They say there is no better gift than giving of oneself and we believe that Bev has excelled in that. Throughout her time at Norwood, she has been a tireless champion for the rights of those who use our services, their families and all our colleagues.

“I, together with the board, am hugely grateful to her for her passionate and energetic leadership, and the significant contribution she has made over the past three and a half years.

“We wish her every success as she embarks on the next stage of her journey. I look forward to announcing her successor in due course and to continuing to meet the community’s changing needs.”

Dr Jacobson said: “Having built a first-class team to deliver the significant change needed, it is the right time to hand over the reins to a new CEO. It has been an absolute privilege to serve Norwood.

“Throughout my time I have been really impressed by the resilience and resourcefulness of the people we support, and I remain inspired by our workforce.

“The level of devotion and care that I have witnessed daily fills me with hope, joy and awe and is the reason why Norwood remains such a cherished community asset.

“I would like to pay tribute to our staff and volunteers for their dedication, and to our supporters who make our work possible. Norwood is deeply embedded in my heart, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the organisation.”