Autism at Kingwood announces new Chief Executive

Autism at Kingwood is delighted to announce that Sarah Butcher MBE has been appointed as the charity’s new Chief Executive.

Sarah, who will commence her role at Kingwood in early October, has specialist knowledge and expertise in autism.  Having worked in the autism sector for over 34 years, she is Director of Young People’s Wellbeing at Prior’s Court, a residential school for autistic children from the ages of 5 to 25. Sarah holds an MSc. in Leadership & Management in Health & Social Care and in 2018, Sarah was awarded an MBE for Services to Children with Autism and Special Educational Needs.

Both Autism at Kingwood and Priors Court were set up as charities by Dame Stephanie Shirley and we are delighted Sarah is joining us with that shared heritage, with a focus on kindness and quality of care. 

Sarah says:

“I am excited to be joining Autism at Kingwood as the new CEO. I have known of the charity for some years and am so impressed by the commitment and passion of the entire team to improve the lives of autistic people. The whole of my professional life has been dedicated to the same goal, so I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and starting to plan and build for the future of Autism at Kingwood.”

David Swann, Autism at Kingwood’s Chair of the Trustees says:

“We are immensely fortunate to have Sarah join the Kingwood team at such an important and challenging time for Kingwood. Our Interim Chief Executive, Shan Nicholas, over the past eight months has established a solid base for our return to achieving quality of care allied with financial viability and sustainability. The Trustee Board is very confident that Sarah is the right person to take the charity forward, bringing with her the skills, experience and leadership she has demonstrated at Prior’s Court.”