Scope appoints chief executive
31 January 2007
National disability charity Scope is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Sparkes as its chief executive.
Jon was appointed acting chief executive in June 2006 and will take up the CEO role permanently from the beginning of February. He joined Scope in March 2004 as Executive Director of Human Resources.
Commenting on his appointment, Jon Sparkes, said:
“I am extremely pleased to take on this role. Having worked for the organisation now for nearly three years I never cease to be excited and inspired by the work that we are doing.
“Scope has faced considerable challenges in recent months, particularly with regard to its financial situation. There is still some way to go but I am very proud of our achievements to date. We have made good progress on improving our financial sustainability, have vastly improved the quality of our services – recognised in provider scores from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) - and have launched innovative new services such as the Scope Inclusion Team.
“I am particularly proud of the campaign we launched in response to the recent Ashley X controversy which has re-ignited the public debate about the human rights of disabled children and widened Scope’s influence as a leading commentator on disability issues.
“I am looking forward to developing Scope further – both as a leading service provider and strong campaigning organisation - in its mission to make our society the first where disabled people achieve equality.”
Scope Chair Gerald McCarthy said:
“We are delighted that Jon is to become Scope’s permanent chief executive.
“In his capacity as Scope’s acting chief executive, Jon has demonstrated his strong commitment to our mission and his leadership and vision are an inspiration. He has already achieved considerable improvements to both Scope’s financial position and its programme of organisational change and development which is having far-reaching impact across our work.
“Many challenges still lie ahead for Scope. I believe Jon is the best person to help us meet those challenges and increase the sustainability and stability of our organisation.”
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
- Jon joined Scope in March 2004 as Executive Director Human Resources, moving to become Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Organisational Change in 2006. He was appointed acting Chief Executive in June 2006 following the departure of Tony Manwaring.
- Over the last two years, Jon has led a period of renewal in Organisational Development, HR practice and Scope’s volunteering strategy, as well as creating and implementing new approaches to diversity and the employment of disabled people at every level in the organisation. He has been instrumental in increasing the number of disabled people employed by Scope from 3.7% of the workforce in 2004 to just under 20 percent at the end of 2006.
- Prior to working at Scope, Jon was Head of Human Resources at Cambridge County Council. He previously worked in the private sector as Human Resources Director for an international technology company, The Generics Group and was Organisational Development Manager at Southern Derbyshire Training and Enterprise Council and HR Manager at GEC-Plessey Telecommunications.
- Jon’s appointment was made by Scope’s Executive Council and is supported by the charity’s Remuneration and Succession Committee, which is composed of trustees, independent advisers and an independent chair.
- Scope is running a campaign to protect the human rights of disabled children and prevent the ’Ashley X treatment’.
- Scope is a national disability organisation whose focus is people with cerebral palsy, a physical condition that affects movement. Scope’s services include creating early years, education, independent living and employment opportunities for disabled people.
For more information please contact:
Suzanne Stevenson, Press and PR Manager, on 020 7619 7203 or email suzanne.stevenson@scope.org.uk
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