Barnardos recognises outstanding leadership of out-going CEO

The Barnardos Board is today leading tributes recognising the outstanding leadership of Chief Executive Jeff Sanders, who will vacate the Chief Executive role early next year.

James Te Puni, Barnardos Board Chair, says that the Board reluctantly accepted Mr Sanders’ resignation last week. “Jeff has decided that 2019 is the right time for him to end his service with Barnardos. When he steps down, Jeff will have led Barnardos for seven years. Over that time he has been a positive leader in the social sector in the provision of services to the tamariki and whānau of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Mr Te Puni says that “there’s no doubt that Jeff will be greatly missed by the Barnardos whānau and the wider social services, community and children’s sectors. The Board acknowledges that Jeff will be leaving Barnardos in a strong position, well-placed to continue our collective commitment and focus on ensuring that every child in Aotearoa New Zealand can shine bright.”

Barnardos, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading children’s charity, has been working with children and tamariki and their families and whānau for over 60 years. Today, Barnardos provides Child and Family Social Services, Early Learning, and Advocacy for children’s rights and wellbeing. Mr Te Puni says that Mr Sanders has “been a really important part of the Barnardos New Zealand story, and he’ll leave a legacy of commitment and leadership. Jeff came to lead Barnardos after holding a range of executive leadership roles in the social sector, including at IHC, Wesley Community Action, and as Chief Executive of Relationship Services. Jeff has brought a great depth of experience and expertise that Barnardos has been hugely fortunate to benefit from, and for over 30 years he has been a force of positive influence in the social sector in Aotearoa.”

Mr Te Puni says that “during his tenure as Chief Executive, Jeff has made a significant contribution to Barnardos’ kaupapa, to leading cross-sector collaboration towards common goals, and to positive change in the the lives of the children, families and whānau who Barnardos works to support every day. He has always worked hard to ensure Barnardos achieves good outcomes for tamariki and whānau Māori, and has been an influential advocate for all children, also seen as a trusted advisor by successive governments in the shaping of policy.”

“Beyond this, Jeff has been an exemplary leader for our Barnardos whānau, remaining connected to our staff and Board members around the country. He works effectively with our stakeholders and partners. Compassion and integrity are integral components of Jeff’s leadership style”, Mr Te Puni says.

Mr Sanders’ last day at Barnardos will be 08 February 2019. Mr Te Puni says that Barnardos will formally farewell Mr Sanders at that time, and acknowledge and celebrate his contribution. Mr Te Puni says “I know there will be many people joining with me and all Barnardos Board and staff members in wishing Jeff and his whānau every good wish for the future.”

The Barnardos Board will shortly be commencing a recruitment process to fill the Chief Executive role.

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