Dr Beverley Jacobson will be the new chief executive of children and families charity Norwood, replacing Elaine Kerr, who announced last November that she would be standing down.

Dr Jacobson has been chief executive at learning disability charity Kisharon for 10 years, having previously worked in strategic management consultancy.

She is "passionate about everything Norwood represents. For me it is an opportunity to help a greater number of people and develop more partnership work across the community."

Neville Kahn, chair of the Norwood trustees, said Dr Jacobson had impressed the recruitment team with her experience "working in a community charity that provides services with a strong people focus. She is widely regarded as an inspirational leader.

"I look forward to working with her to continue to drive Norwood’s vision to be an innovative, national expert and leading provider of services which meet the needs of those who most desperately need it in our community."