Prior’s Court autism charity in Hermitage announces new CEO

The Hermitage-based autism charity Prior’s Court has appointed a new chief executive.

Ryan Campbell has been announced the new CEO, replacing outgoing CEO Mike Robinson after his eight years of leading the charity.

Mr Campbell was appointed a CBE for services to mental health provision in 2018 and has a wealth of experience in the charity sector.

From 2021 to 2023, Mr Campbell was the CEO of Hampshire-based Treloar’s, an education provider for physically disabled people with complex needs.

And before this, he served as the CEO of Demelza Hospice Care for Children from 2015 to 2021, which offers palliative care for children and young people with serious and terminal conditions across South East England.

Speaking about his new appointment at Prior’s Court, Mr Campbell said: “Prior’s Court is an incredible place. It is absolutely at the forefront of helping autistic young people with some of the most complex needs to thrive.

“To have the opportunity to work with those young people, alongside one of the most expert and dedicated staff teams there is, is a huge privilege.”

Mr Campbell has also worked in senior positions for organisations providing clinical, mental health and substance misuse services to young people, and for Age Concern.

Prior’s Court chair of trustees Chris Barrett said: “Mike Robinson has done so much for Prior’s Court over the past years and finding a successor was always going to be difficult.

“I believe that in Ryan we have found a person with both a depth of experience in the sector and an empathy with what everyone at Prior’s Court endeavours to deliver for our young people, helping them to build brighter, more independent futures.”

Mr Campbell formally took up the post on Monday, July 24.