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Dimensions to seek new Chief Executive

David Wolverson, Chief Executive of Dimensions, the specialist and not-for-profit provider of support for people with learning disabilities and autism, has decided to stand down in March 2011 at the age of 58, after 10 years at the helm.

The Dimensions Board is moving to implement a succession plan, with the hunt on to find a new leader. The Board is confident that under its leadership, and with the experienced wider executive team, a smooth transition can be ensured for a new Chief Executive. Wolverson's departure will not impact day-to-day service delivery or affect the lives of the individuals supported by Dimensions. The organisation is in good shape for the future – with a positive national reputation as well as enjoying steady growth over recent years.

David Wolverson says:
"When I first became Chief Executive I wanted to develop a purpose and values that could sustain Dimensions through the challenging market we now find ourselves in, and encourage and grow future leaders. It has been a huge privilege to have witnessed Dimensions triple in size in that time. More importantly, we have held onto our ethos of being person–centred, and are actively addressing the huge changes that we need to make to meet the challenges of personalisation.

"It is hard for me to leave the great crowd of people at Dimensions - both those we support and the people we employ, but in the final years of my career, I want to work nearer to home and to put something back into my local community. The weekly commute from Yorkshire to Berkshire is now taking its toll and I have several opportunities of continuing my career locally."

David has worked for 37 years in the housing and social care sector for both older people and people with learning disabilities. He worked for Anchor Trust for over 20 years and was appointed as Chief Executive of New Era in March 1998. He was appointed Group Chief Executive in April 2001 when New Era and New Support Options formed the Dimensions group.

Geoff Rose, Chairman of Dimensions, says:
"David has made an unrivalled contribution over a prolonged period. He has overseen the growth of Dimensions to become the second largest provider of services for adults with autism and learning disabilities, and led a number of successful mergers. Our growth is impressive but the Board believe that it has been the quality of our service provision which has defined our success during this period under his leadership. I have worked closely with David over the past five years and have been impressed by the way he has ensured that the organisation is truly responsive to the needs of the individuals and families whom we support. In recognition of this, Dimensions recently won the Third Sector Award for Excellence for the way it engages with the people it supports.
Our market is undergoing significant reform and David has been responsible for leading 'The Big Adventure', an internal initiative aimed at generating our own solutions to the challenges of personalisation and cost pressures. The systems and organisational re-design prepares us well for the challenges ahead.We immediately begin our search for a new inspirational leader, who is able to build on our success and take us on to the next phase of our development."

The search for a successor is being handled by Tom Noon, Chair of the consultancy firm specialising in the public sector, Cordis Bright. The recruitment process will also include interviews with people supported by Dimensions and family members.

For more information please contact Sanchi Murison on 07766 097914.

- Ends -
Notes to editors

• Dimensions is a leading specialist not-for-profit provider of support for people with learning disabilities and autism.
• Dimensions supports over 2,300 people and employs 4,000 staff.

• Dimensions provides a range of support options including individual support for people in their own homes, registered residential care, short breaks and access to employment and leisure services.
• The application process is being handled by Cordis Bright. Epworth House, 25-35 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AA – 020 7330 9170 – e-mail: info@cordisbright.co.uk