New Independent Co-chair for the National Adoption Service for Wales

New Independent Co-chair for the National Adoption Service for Wales

The National Adoption Service for Wales is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Carolyn Sampeys as the new independent co-chair of its Governance Board.

Formerly the lead NHS professional adviser for children looked after, fostering and adoption in Wales Dr Sampeys has worked with children and adoptive parents in Wales both as a paediatrician and medical adviser alongside undertaking research, development and advisory work across the UK including with the former BAAF and Coram BAAF.

Dr Sampeys joins NAS as it looks forward to its 10^th anniversary later this year.  The outgoing independent co-chair, Mr Phil Hodgson MBE, said "It has been an amazing privilege to be involved in the National Adoption Service and part of the significant service growth and improvement which has benefited adopted children, their parents and others affected by adoption.  I wish the service, and all those working within it, well for the future.

Dr Sampeys said “I am delighted to be joining the Governance Board as Independent Co-chair. Throughout my career I have championed adoption and improving outcomes for Looked after Children.  Having been involved with the National Adoption Service for Wales since its inception, I am very proud of its achievements. I look forward to working in collaboration with the statutory and voluntary sector and all those affected by adoption, to further improve the quality of adoption services in Wales.”

The service extends heartfelt thanks to Phil for his stewardship to date and looks forward to working with Carolyn in her new role.