Ms Harris, who starts the post in April, aims to build on the charity’s Three-Year Plan which highlights the impact that speech, language and communication skills has on children’s development and their life chances.
She is joining I CAN from the National Autistic Society, where she is director of external affairs and social change. Ms Harris has spent her career raising the profile of issues that impact on people’s lives through influencing public policy, building new audiences and increasing income generation.
‘I am extremely impressed by the organisation’s history, impact and expertise,’ said Ms Harris.
‘At the same time, it is clear that support for children with communication problems is totally inadequate. I hope I can use my previous experience to secure more support and understanding to improve education and social mobility and reduce the inequalities faced by children with communication problems.’
Welcoming Ms Harris, I CAN’s chair of the board of trustees said, ‘Jane’s appointment is a clear indication of our intention to ensure the voices of some of the most marginalised are heard in the midst of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has had such a significant impact on their daily lives.’
Ms Harris succeeds Bob Reitemeier, who is retiring from fulltime employment at the end of March. Mr Reitemeier said, ‘It has been a privilege to lead this wonderful charity over the past five years, and I am confident our impact will increase under Jane’s leadership.’