Huddersfield-based Yorkshire Children’s Centre (YCC) has announced the appointment of Dr Ira Laketic-Ljubojevic as the new chair of trustees, to help steer the charity through its next phase of growth.
With over 20 years’ experience working in senior roles within the public and charitable sectors – for brands such as the NHS and York Mind – Ira brings a wealth of experience to the fore in her position as strategic leader.
As part of her role, Ira will be working together with the chief executive, Mark Farmer, and the rest of the board to review, agree, establish and implement a new strategy that drives the direction of the not-for-profit organisation.
Ira said: “My passion has always been about helping people to improve their lives, experiences and outcomes by creating equality of opportunities for those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.
“Having personally experienced some of the adversities YCC’s service users have faced, I deeply and empathetically care about making a positive, lasting difference. I feel privileged to be a part of this authentic person-centric charity, and I’m excited to play a role in its evolution over the coming years.”
Alongside her role as YCC chair, Ira is also the executive director of healthcare advocacy services for blood cancer charity, Myeloma UK.
YCC’s CEO Mark Farmer added: “Bringing Ira on board as chair is a milestone event for the charity. She stood out not only because of her extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience — spanning the health, wellbeing, care, and organisational development arenas – but her undeniable passion and enthusiasm to move the organisation forward.
“Her diverse career journey was also incredibly inspirational. It’s clear that she is motivated by wanting to make a positive difference – and this will have an incredible impact on the Kirklees community. It’s a very exciting time for the organisation and all the people we help across our service provision.”
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Ira is succeeding the ex-chair of trustees, Roger Bryant, who stepped down in September 2020, following two years of service.
YCC is a 40-year-old charity dedicated to supporting the Kirklees community with a range of support programmes. This includes a domestic abuse prevention programme, a key stage 4 alternative provision college, a telephone befriending scheme – delivered in partnership with Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees, dementia support, and safety in the home, to name a few.
