National Deaf Children’s Society announces new chief executive

The National Deaf Children’s Society has announced George Crockford as its new chief executive. George will leave his role as Chief Operating Officer at Teenage Cancer Trust to take up the position. He replaces Susan Daniels OBE, who has been at the helm for 33 years. 

George is a parent to a profoundly deaf child and has experienced firsthand the positive impact of support from the National Deaf Children’s Society. Growing up as a CODA (child of deaf adults), he was immersed in the deaf community and witnessed the challenges that arise when support is lacking. This connection fuels his empathy, understanding, and unwavering dedication to supporting deaf children and their families. 

Alongside this personal experience, George is an experienced leader within the charity and public sectors. He was a trustee of the National Deaf Children’s Society for three years. Before that, he served six years as a trustee for the Kent Deaf Children’s Society, building partnerships at a local level to support deaf children and their families.

George also has experience in central and local government. Working for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, he led work to improve public services based on lessons learned in the pandemic. George also held several roles at the National Audit Office, supporting parliamentary accountability and influencing improvements to public service delivery in areas such as regulation and workforce planning.

George Crockford said: “While I am sad to leave Teenage Cancer Trust, I’m very much looking forward to taking on this new challenge, which means so much to me personally as well as professionally. I know firsthand the transformative impact the National Deaf Children’s Society’s work has on deaf children, their families and local communities. My commitment to the organisation’s mission is unwavering, and I am dedicated to making a positive, long-lasting impact on the lives of deaf children and their families”.

Dominic Holton, chair of trustees at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming George to the organisation. His skills, knowledge and leadership expertise, combined with the passion and drive that comes from personal experience, makes him the right person to lead the charity. We’re looking forward to working together with George to realise our vision of a world where anything is possible for deaf children.”

Susan will continue in her role until 18 July, with George taking up the position in mid-September. In the meantime, Jane Foreman, the charity’s deputy chief executive and chief finance officer will take up the role as interim chief executive.