After 15 years of working with trustees, staff and volunteers to support PACEY members and the children and families they care for, Chief Executive Liz Bayram will be leaving PACEY in late January. Helen Donohoe, who is currently PACEY’s Policy Advisor, has been appointed by PACEY’s Board to take over the role of Chief Executive in the new year. Over the past few weeks, Helen and Liz have been working closely together to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to do so until the end of January.
Liz has seen a great deal of change for both PACEY and the early years and childcare sector since she became Chief Executive - the launch of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England; increased hours of government funded childcare and early education and, more recently, leading PACEY and its members through a pandemic. Liz has also led PACEY’s digital transformation from a charity focussed on delivering support through local authority contracts to one that has put support for all its members at the heart of its work; increased the range of member benefits it offers and widened its membership to include nurseries, pre-schools and nannies alongside childminders.
Liz said: “I feel lucky to have had the chance to work for PACEY and champion the incredible work our members do. Together with the amazing team at PACEY, I have faced challenges I never expected to face; learned so much and have cherished being part of the early years and childcare community. It is time for a new chapter for me, but I leave with immense admiration for the childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and nannies who every day go above and beyond for the children in their care. I know Helen and the team will continue to be by our members’ side; ensuring everyone understands how they give children the strong foundations they need for the future.”
Helen will build on the progress PACEY has made. She said “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead PACEY as its next Chief Executive and to continue to ensure we are there to support our members; championing their vital work and ensuring PACEY remains a strong voice for everyone working in early years and childcare. Post-pandemic, the sector is facing significant challenges and the cost-of-living crisis has brought with it new challenges. I know this well from my role as PACEY’s Policy Advisor and will continue to ensure we are a strong advocate for our members.”
Amy Page, Chair of PACEY; said: “On behalf of our members and the wider early years and childcare community, I want to thank Liz for all she has done to ensure PACEY delivers its mission over the last few years. Liz has guided PACEY expertly throughout her time at PACEY, ensuring the needs of our members have been always met. She will be sorely missed! We wish her all the best for the future.
“I am delighted that Helen has been appointed as our new Chief Executive. Helen is passionate about the early years and childcare sector and brings a wealth of experience in advocating for the sector. She will continue to move PACEY forward and I am looking forward to working with her closely.”