Learning Disability Charity HFT Appoints New CEO

Hft, the learning disability charity, has appointed Steve Veevers as its new Chief Executive Officer from 1 January 2024.

He replaces Kirsty Matthews who has stepped down after three years in the role.

Steve has over 25 years of social care and health experience, having worked as a senior leader in national and regional not-for-profit care providers, local Government and consultancy work to the benefit of social care.

Before joining Hft, Steve was the Managing Director of a large, not-for-profit adult care provider in the South West of England, a Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and a Senior Executive in a national learning disability charity. In these roles, he has been able to enable people who draw upon care and support to have person centred, independence focused and community-based care that allows individuals to live the lives they want.

“I’ve had the privilege of working for people who draw upon care and support throughout my career and I’m delighted to be joining and serving Hft as its CEO at a crucial time in its history. It’s clear that social care is at such a fragile time, with workforce, financial and image issues rampant. It’s massively important that Hft and providers like ours can continue to be a leading voice in calling for long-term change, while also demonstrating that change can happen.

“I’ve already seen and heard of colleagues at Hft doing extraordinary things to make sure that learning disabled people are able to live their best possible lives.

“I am looking forward to supporting the charity to continue delivering against the pioneering spirit of the founding families to do more and better for learning disabled adults with the same grace and determination that I’ve seen demonstrated across our care and support teams.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Amanda Bunce, says: “Steve brings with him a commitment to collaborative approaches across local communities, not-for-profit providers and statutory organisations to help people live their best lives, something he will support Hft to continue doing well.”