Tim will leave his current role as the Director at the Government Office for Disability Issues to head up Advance, which supports people with learning disabilities or mental health issues to live the lives they want in the community.
“We are delighted to welcome Tim, who brings a wealth of board-level experience across all three of our core services of housing, social care and employment,” says Helen Baker, Chair of the Board of Advance.
“He has a life-long commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities and he understands and values what drives us. Critically, his values fit perfectly with ours; that everyone should be empowered to realise their individual potential as valued citizens and to live and work as independently as possible.”
Tim, who is 50 and lives in Wiltshire, says he is looking forward to his new role. “I’ve had a really stimulating two years in the Office for Disability Issues and I am looking forward to this fantastic opportunity of working with Advance, which has a unique position as a housing, support and employment provider,” he comments.
“I knew and respected former CEO Stuart Rigg and I have watched how Advance has developed and flourished over the years under his leadership. It’s marvellous to come into an organisation I value and feel I already know.”
Stuart Rigg, who led Advance’s growth from a small local provider of special needs housing, retired at the start of this year after a period of ill health. Sector expert Maggie Sherlock will continue as interim Chief Executive until Tim joins the prganisation.
In 22 years, Stuart spearheaded Advance’s development of groundbreaking new opportunities for people with learning disabilities or mental health issues, including shared ownership schemes, and new services to enable disabled and disadvantaged people to get back into paid work.
“His legacy to the organisation, and the social care supported living and housing sectors, is immense,” adds Helen.