Children 1st is looking for a new chief executive after Alison Todd opted to depart following a period of adoption leave

A charity chief executive has stepped down for family reasons.

Children 1st’s Alison Todd is leaving the organisation after nine years, following a period of adoption leave.

Mary Glasgow, who has been serving as interim chief executive while Todd was on leave, will continue in the post until a new boss is recruited.

“It is with mixed feelings that I resign from my post at Children 1st”, Todd said.

“I’m pleased to leave this worthwhile charity as it continues to lead the way in responding to families’ experiencing adverse childhood experiences. I am sure that Children 1st will remain at the forefront of protecting and preventing children from trauma and abuse and supporting them to recover in the years to come and wish everybody well as I move on to look after my own family.”

The charity’s chairman Ken Cunningham paid tribute to Todd’s hard work over the years.

He said: “On behalf of all of us I’d like to thank Alison for the commitment and dedication she has given to supporting children and families, the Board, staff and volunteers throughout her time at Children 1st.

“Alison has always been a passionate advocate for children’s rights in both policy and practice and held this at the centre of Children 1st’s work to support children and families. By taking on her new parental role Alison is setting an amazing example of walking the talk.”