Taylor made for Langdon challenge
TWO MONTHS after quitting one of the key posts at Jewish Care, Neil Taylor has been appointed interim chief executive of Langdon, which helps Jews with learning disabilities to lead independent lives.
It follows the decision of
Gary Skovron to step down as
CEO. Mr Skovron was recruited two years ago to bring “improved structure and stability”, which the charity said he achieved ahead of schedule.
Advising the board on priorities for the coming years, he recommended that a care expert be appointed as CEO.
Mr Taylor — who started his new role this week — worked for Jewish Care for 28 years, latterly as director of care and community services. He said on leaving that he had enjoyed “a great career” at the charity but was ready “to take on a new personal challenge in the wider social-care world”.
He told the JC he had been impressed by the ambition of the Langdon trustees to provide high quality services for existing members and to grow the organisation. “They certainly believe — and I agree — that there is a lot
of work we can do. I don’t think we talk about learning disability enough in the community.”
He pointed out that in excess of 90 per cent of adults supported by Langdon were involved in some form of employment or volunteering. “It shows what we can achieve with the right support.”
Mr Taylor has a 15-year-old daughter with a severe learning disability who “receives excellent services from Norwood”. He is vice-chair of governors of a special needs school in Enfield and can also draw on his long experience at Jewish Care.
Langdon chair Nigel Henry thanked Mr Skovron for his “hard work and inspiration, as well as the positive difference he has made to our members’ lives.
“We wish him every success for his future.”