Lynn Perry MBE: Leading Change and Transforming Lives at Barnardo’s
Lynn Perry MBE is a transformative leader who has dedicated her career to creating positive change for vulnerable children and families across the United Kingdom. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity, she leads efforts to change childhoods and lives so that children can be safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful. With over 20 years of experience in children’s services, Perry’s leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring that Barnardo’s remains a pivotal force in social care.
In this article, we’ll explore Lynn Perry’s career journey, her work at Barnardo’s, and her significant contributions to child welfare. We’ll also dive into her education, certifications, and involvement with The Children’s Society, which has shaped her into the compassionate leader she is today.
Lynn Perry’s Career Journey: From Youth Justice to CEO of Barnardo’s
Early Career and Foundations:
Lynn Perry’s career began in the youth justice sector, where she worked with The Children’s Society. Starting as a Youth Offending Team Officer in York, she quickly developed a passion for improving the lives of young people and families facing adversity. Her early roles included working as a Youth Justice Project Worker, where she provided support to young offenders and their families.
Perry’s dedication to her work led her to rise through the ranks at The Children’s Society, ultimately becoming Assistant Director of Children’s Services for the North West of England. This role gave her extensive experience managing programs that supported vulnerable children, families, and young people in challenging circumstances.
Corporate Leadership at Barnardo’s:
Perry’s extensive experience in children’s services made her an ideal candidate for leadership at Barnardo’s. She joined the organization in 2008, taking on roles of increasing responsibility. By 2012, she was appointed Assistant Director of Children’s Services, where she helped expand the charity’s impact across the North West.
In 2020, Lynn Perry became the Corporate Director for Children’s Services, overseeing operations across the UK. Her leadership helped Barnardo’s streamline its services and ensure that it remained responsive to the evolving needs of children and families in crisis.
In March 2022, Perry was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Barnardo’s. In this role, she has been a driving force behind the organization’s ambitious strategies to provide better outcomes for children, tackle mental health issues, and ensure that children are safe from exploitation, neglect, and abuse.
Lynn Perry’s Leadership Approach: A Vision for Change
As CEO of Barnardo’s, Lynn Perry has adopted a leadership approach focused on collaboration, connection, and community building. Her vision for the organization is one that focuses on tackling the most pressing issues facing children today. Whether it’s addressing mental health challenges, child exploitation, or poverty, Perry leads Barnardo’s with the goal of providing real, lasting change.
Collaboration and Inclusivity:
Perry is known for her ability to bring people together, whether it’s internal teams, external partners, or the communities Barnardo’s serves. She sees herself as a connector, a coach, and a convenor, fostering an environment where ideas can be shared, and solutions can be developed collaboratively. This approach has allowed Barnardo’s to stay innovative and flexible, adapting to new challenges in the ever-changing landscape of child welfare.
Commitment to Vulnerable Children:
A key component of Perry’s leadership has been her unwavering commitment to ensuring that Barnardo’s remains focused on the needs of vulnerable children. Her experience in children’s services has shaped her understanding of the importance of not just providing immediate support but also advocating for long-term, systemic change that improves outcomes for future generations.
Under Perry’s leadership, Barnardo’s has expanded its focus to include new areas such as online safety for children, which is increasingly vital in today’s digital age. By staying ahead of emerging issues, Perry ensures that Barnardo’s remains a forward-thinking charity that is equipped to tackle new challenges as they arise.
Lynn Perry’s Education and Certifications
Lynn Perry’s educational background has played a crucial role in shaping her leadership style and her deep commitment to social services. Perry holds a degree in English with Social Studies from the University of Leeds, where she earned a BA (Hons) in 1993.
Her continued commitment to professional development is evident through her pursuit of higher education and certifications. She went on to complete a Master’s degree in Human Rights & Equal Opportunities at Lancaster University, which further strengthened her understanding of the importance of equality and social justice in her work.
In addition to her formal education, Perry has a Post Graduate Certificate in Social Services Management from the University of Birmingham, providing her with the specialized knowledge necessary to manage complex services and organizations. This combination of academic qualifications, hands-on experience, and a focus on social justice and equality has made Perry an exceptional leader in the field of children’s services.
In December 2023, Lynn Perry earned a Certificate in Coaching from The Coach House Ltd. This certification reflects her commitment to empowering others, helping people to grow professionally and personally within the charity and broader community.
Lynn Perry’s Role at The Children’s Society
Before becoming the CEO of Barnardo’s, Lynn Perry had a significant tenure at The Children’s Society, where she spent several years working across various roles. Perry’s experience there helped shape her understanding of the complexities of child welfare and the need for organizations to not only provide immediate relief but also long-term solutions to improve the lives of young people.
At The Children’s Society, Perry led programs aimed at supporting children in the youth justice system, children at risk of exploitation, and those dealing with the effects of poverty and family breakdown. The skills and insights gained from this experience have been invaluable in her leadership at Barnardo’s, where she continues to advocate for children who are at risk and provide them with the support they need to build better futures.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Change and Leadership
Lynn Perry MBE’s journey from a youth justice worker to the Chief Executive Officer of Barnardo’s is a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of children and families across the UK. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving Barnardo’s success, and she continues to inspire change through collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to social justice.
As a coach, connector, and convenor, Perry is not only changing the lives of children today but is also shaping the future of child welfare in the UK. Her ability to empower others, her educational achievements, and her focus on long-term systemic change make her an exceptional leader in the field. Under her leadership, Barnardo’s will continue to transform lives, one child at a time, creating a safer, happier, and more hopeful future for generations to come.
