I CAN announces Interim Chief Executive

I CAN announces Interim Chief Executive

Carol Payne has been appointed Interim Chief Executive of I CAN, the children's communication charity, from September.  Carol will take over the leadership of the charity for eight months, whilst current Chief Executive Jane Harris goes on maternity leave. 

Carol, who is currently Director of Operations, is responsible for I CAN's portfolio of projects and programmes and its Social Enterprise. She began her career as a Speech and Language Therapist working for several health trusts before becoming Head of Special Needs, Disability and Psychology at Wandsworth Borough Council.  

Carol Payne said, "I am delighted to be taking up the role of Interim Chief Executive, whilst Jane is on maternity leave.  I CAN do such important work to support the needs of children and young people who struggle to communicate so that they can achieve their full potential. I am honoured to be taking on this role for the next eight months." 

Jane Harris said, "Carol brings a wealth of experience to this role she is a total expert on all things speech and language and also a master at getting things done. I know that she will take on this role with real passion and energy and have the needs of children who struggle with their speaking and understanding at heart. 

“I also wanted to acknowledge what great support our staff, senior team and Trustees have given me over the last few months as I prepare to go on maternity leave." 

Carol, will take up her new role as interim Chief Executive from 1st September until 30th April 2022. 

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For more information contact Neill Young,  Head of Communications and Public Affairs on 07989 570388 or email media@ican.org.uk.

About I CAN

I CAN is the UK’s children's communication charity. We specialise in helping children develop the speech, language, and communication skills they need to thrive in a 21st- century world.

Children and young people can fail to reach their potential because communication difficulties are often neglected, mistaken for something else or not noticed at all. I CAN's mission is that no child should be left out or left behind because of a difficulty speaking or understanding.

For further information on I CAN’s work visit ican.org.uk or follow on Twitter @ICANcharity and Facebook at facebook.com/icantalk.