A hospice charity has promoted its deputy chief executive to the top job, 22 years after she joined the organisation.

Lavinia Jarrett has been appointed CEO of Demelza Hospice Care for Children after holding leadership roles at the charity since 1999, including serving as deputy chief executive.

Most recently she had been acting CEO following the departure of Ryan Campbell from the role last year.

She joined the South East England based Hospice charity in 1999 and had previously worked in primary care roles, including commissioning NHS services.

“I am absolutely delighted to accept the role of Chief Executive at Demelza,” said Jarrett.

“One of the best parts of my long history at Demelza is the dedicated people I have the pleasure of working alongside, who have made Demelza the place it is today.

"I have witnessed the very best of human nature from the families who have used our services over the years, the staff and volunteers who demonstrate such commitment and passion and the donors and supporters whose generosity has made all our services possible.

“I am looking forward to taking the organisation forward as we come out of the recent pandemic and focus on developing the vital services we offer to the children, young people and families who need our support.”

Demelza chair David Highton added: “I have had the pleasure of meeting regularly with Lavinia as our acting Chief Executive for the last eight months, and I wish her well as she takes the reins in the substantive role.

“Following a rigorous selection process with a strong shortlist of candidates, myself and the board are certain Lavinia is the person to lead the organisation forward.”

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