Statement from Childnet Board of Trustees 26 June 2003

Following the announcement today by Northern Ireland Minister Angela Smith MP that the current Chief Executive of children’s Internet charity, Childnet International has been appointed as the first Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland, the Childnet Board of Trustees issued the following statement:

The Board are delighted that Nigel has been chosen to fill this new and challenging post in Northern Ireland. Nigel was responsible for founding Childnet in 1995 and through his leadership the organisation has grown to become highly respected around the world in undertaking innovative projects that promote the safe and positive use of the Internet by children. The Board and staff of Childnet congratulate him on this senior appointment and wish to express our sincere thanks for the tremendous inspiration and leadership he has shown during the last 8 years. We are sure that there will be many others who will want to join us in thanking him for his work on behalf of children and wish him well in this new strategic appointment.

After reviewing the future structure and leadership needs of the organisation, the Board are delighted to announce their unanimous decision that Stephen Carrick-Davies the current Deputy Chief Executive should become CEO. Stephen joined Childnet in 1998 as Development Manager and has been the creative genius behind a number of Childnet’s projects; for example the Cable & Wireless Childnet Awards, the award winning Kidsmart and Net Detectives programmes, as well as heading up the charity’s communication and education work.

The Board will be working with Stephen to strengthen the staff resources of the organisation especially in the areas of policy development and international relations.

Michael Conway, the Chair of the Board said “ We are delighted for Nigel that he has been selected for this post, and consider ourselves fortunate that we have such an excellent replacement in Stephen who we believe will lead Childnet on to making an even greater impact in the future in ensuring children have a great and safe time online.”

FURTHER DETAILS SEE:
N.Ireland Minister’s announcement – see www.northernireland.gov.uk