Norwood today announced the retirement of its long-serving Chief Executive, Norma Brier after 22 years of loyal service.
Norma worked first as a social worker and later as a lecturer in sociology. Her career within the Jewish Community started in the early 1980s. She subsequently led the negotiations to bring Jewish adults with learning disabilities, often living in the most terrible conditions, out of long-stay institutions, into Jewish residential homes in London and Ravenswood Village.
In recognition of her expertise in the field of learning disabilities, Norma was appointed Executive Director of Ravenswood in 1989, leading the organisation through a period of rapid growth and increasing its annual budget from less than £1m to nearly £7m in just five years.
In 1996, she led Ravenswood’s merger with Norwood Child Care to create a world-class multi-faceted organisation, later renamed Norwood. Norma was appointed its Chief Executive. Today, Norwood is a flagship social care agency of the Anglo- Jewish Community, with 7,000 service users, 1,200 staff, 800 volunteers and an annual budget of £32m.
Bernie Myers, Norwood’s chairman, led praise for Norma’s leadership:
“It is a tribute to Norma’s vision and dedication that Norwood has been able to provide the best possible social care for our community’s most vulnerable children and adults. We thank her sincerely for her tireless and incredible efforts and I am delighted that Norma will continue to be involved with Norwood as an Honorary Ambassador.”
During Norma’s tenure, she has ensured that Norwood's reach extends both to those with learning disabilities across the spectrum and to children and families in need.
David Ereira, Chairman of Norwood’s Advisory Council, who has worked with Norma for 15 years, added:
“Norma is respected at the highest levels of Government for her deep and profound understanding of learning disabilities. Undoubtedly, she has shaped a world-class organisation to serve our community’s multiple social welfare needs.”
Announcing her retirement, Norma Brier commented:
“It has been a privilege and an honour to lead Norwood over the past 22 years. We have been able to support thousands of vulnerable children, adults and families. Words cannot describe my gratitude to the thousands of staff, donors, volunteers and above all the people who use our services who have enabled me to play my role in ensuring that Norwood can provide such valuable support to so many.”
Norma Brier will remain as CEO until her successor is appointed.
