Press releases

Readers of Community Care vote BAAF's Chief Executive as the most influential person in social care for children and young people

Issued: 7 February 2005

Readers of Community Care vote BAAF's Chief Executive as the most influential person in social care for children and young people

Over the past two weeks more than 2,200 people have voted in Community Care's survey to find the top 20 most influential people in the social care sector. A short list of around 60 people was drawn up from the original nominations and the votes were split into three categories: social care for adults, social care for children and young people, and social care policy. BAAF's Chief Executive Felicity Collier topped the list of the 20 people who have had the most effect on social care for children and young people, and was ranked fourth overall in the poll for most influential people in the social care sector.

Chief Executive of BAAF, Felicity Collier said:

"I feel very honoured to have the confidence of Community Care's readers but also recognise the responsibility I and BAAF have for influencing decisions about children - we aim to win the hearts and minds of the public, policy makers and politicians to make a difference for children separated from their birth parents. It is not easy and I have sometimes felt it would be easier not to challenge - of course discussions about policies do not always take place publicly but sometimes the publicity is an important key in achieving a result. I do think it is fair to say we have had significant influence .”

One voter said of Felicity Collier: "She’s demonstrated her passion for children over nearly thirty years in social care and doesn’t pull her punches when it comes to adoption policy".

BAAF's Chair, Anthony Douglas, who is Chief Executive of CAFCASS, also featured in Community Care's Top 20 major influencers.

For further information on Community Care's poll of the top 20 most influential people in the social care sector please go to the community care website:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk
/articles/article.asp?
liarticleid=47925&liSectionID=22&sKeys=&liParentID=26

Ends

Contact:

For members of the press: If you need more information or would like to arrange an interview about child care issues members of the press can call our media team on 020 7593 2054.

If you have an urgent out of hours press enquiry, please contact the press office on 07767 444 589

Notes to Editor

1. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering is the UK's leading adoption and fostering charity. For more information about adoption, please contact 020 7593 2000 or visit www.baaf.org.uk