Hft, a national charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, has appointed Kirsty Matthews as its new chief executive based in its head office in Emersons Green, Bristol.

Matthews has held a variety of senior leadership roles in public and private organisations within the health and care sector over the past 30 years.

She was previously managing director of Virgin Care’s Bath and North East Somerset Community Health and Social Care Services

Matthews said: “I am very aware of the incredible work that has been taking place across our services, particularly with the additional challenges posed by the pandemic. I look forward to getting to know our staff teams over coming months and working closely with the leadership team to plan the next stage in Hft’s future.”

Matthews takes over from interim chief executive, Steve White, who was appointed to steer the charity through a transition period and will become part of Hft’s board of trustees in the spring.