Demelza appoints new Chief Executive

David Highton, Chair of the board of trustees at Demelza, said: “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.”

Two decades at Demelza

Vin joined Demelza shortly after the Kent hospice opened. Throughout her 22-year career, Vin has been instrumental in developing a culture that strives for excellence and puts children and families at the centre of decision making.

Before joining Demelza, Vin worked in primary care, developing local outreach services for both proactive and reactive healthcare needs and commissioning services from NHS Trusts and providers that best meet the needs of local patients.

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