This week is a significant one for The Key as our long-standing CEO, Hannah Underwood, takes on her new role as Director of Innovation and Growth, and we welcome Richard Haigh into post.  
 
During Hannah's 15 years as CEO, she has helped to shape The Key into the ambitious, data-savvy and pioneering organisation that we're known as today whilst also inspiring belief in tens of thousands of young people through The Key Framework. Now, as she moves into her exciting new role as The Key's Director of Innovation and Growth, she'll be continuing to help shape the future of the charity by leading on our innovative growth plans.  
 
Hannah said "After having spent so long leading The Key, this new role is a great opportunity for me to put all my focus and energy into significantly growing our impact (the part of my job I loved the most). I'm especially excited about innovating and co-creating with young people and our partners, to design new products, services and technologies with them front and centre. Ultimately, inventing ways to inspire belief in more of our target young people than ever before at a time when they need it most. It feels like a massively important time for The Key, and I am really looking forward to the journey ahead with Richard and the rest of the Key Team." 
 
With a strong background in the community sector and a real passion for young people and youth work, Richard joins us with a wealth of experience ready to take on the role of CEO.  Keen to hit the ground running and inspire belief in young people, Richard has a busy few weeks ahead and is looking forward to meeting young people, delivery partners, funders and supporters along the way too. 
 
Without further ado, here are a few words from Richard himself… 
"I feel very privileged to be part of The Key's next chapter, but also a real sense of responsibility to continue The Key's journey which has now been going on for almost 30 years. I'm struck by the organisation's commitment to its values, but also that the ethos and approach of this work have never been more relevant.  
 
Increasingly we have all of the world's knowledge on our nearest device. For me, this only increases the importance of finding ways to support young people to identify a purpose, work with others, build friendship, overcome disagreement and develop the range of skills needed to make something happen. 
 
So far 2020 has been turned on its head, and like so much of everyday life, I'll need to adapt and change how I get to know the young people who have participated in The Key Framework, our team, the Board, and our range of funders and partners. I'll rise to that challenge – but while I do uppermost in my mind will be how current circumstances are impacting on young people, particularly those facing challenging circumstances. And I'll draw on that to help The Key continue to be a brilliant thing for as many young people as possible."