Learning disability charity Hft has appointed Steve Veevers as its chief executive, replacing Kirsty Matthews who stepped down after three years in the role.

Veevers has more than 25 years’ social care and health experience, having worked as a senior leader for national and regional not-for-profit care providers and local government, as well as undertaking consultancy work. He was previously managing director of not-for-profit adult care provider Care Dorset, corporate director of adult social care for Dorset Council, and a senior executive at learning disability charity Discovery.

Veevers said: “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.”

Amanda Bunce, HfT’s chair of trustees, said: “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.”