Press Release

The National Autistic Society appoints new Chairman

27 October 2005

Colin Barrow, CBE, has taken up post this week as the new Chairman of The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families and carers. He was unanimously voted by the NAS Board of Trustees as the successor to Tony Kay, who died suddenly in September. Colin has been a Trustee and Treasurer of the NAS since 2003, as well as an active participant in local support groups and organisations working for people with autism. His youngest son, aged six, has autism.

Colin said:

"I am honoured to be selected by my fellow trustees as Chairman, although we would all have wished it were in happier circumstances.  I pay tribute to Tony Kay, who dedicated himself for more than three decades to the NAS and to the well-being of generations of individuals with autism. The NAS was transformed under his leadership and he is sadly missed."

He continued:

"I want us to help everyone with autism reach their full potential. To some we will provide residential care and education. To others we will provide day services, social facilities and help with life skills and employment. But for all people with autism, their families and friends, we must provide a voice. Speaking up for their unique talents and getting them the help they need by working with local and central government and raising awareness of autism and Asperger syndrome."

Colin studied modern languages at Dulwich College and then read law at Clare College Cambridge, before commencing a successful international career in finance, focusing in latter years on advising institutions and larger private investors on alternative investments, including hedge funds. He 'retired' at the age of 45 to combine a private investment business with a long-standing interest in politics and public life and was initially elected to Suffolk County Council (1997) and then to Westminster City Council (2002). 

He now holds a national role with the Local Government Association and is Deputy Leader of Westminster Council. He was a co-founder of Localis, a think tank providing a forum for the development of new ideas for local government, which works across all aspects of local government policy including transport, education, social services and the environment. He was appointed CBE in 2004 for services to local government.

Vernon Beauchamp, Chief Executive of the NAS, said:

"Colin is a well respected and innovative leader. We are fortunate to have found in him someone who can continue the valuable work of Tony Kay in shaping the NAS, but also realise our vision of a world in which every person with autism is understood and supported. Colin has been an active member of our Board of Trustees for two years and an excellent Treasurer. We welcome him as Chairman and I look forward to working with him as we continue to expand and provide more help for people with autism and their families."

As Chair, Colin will lead the Board of Trustees that provides governance for the NAS. He will Chair the NAS Annual General Meeting on Saturday 3 December, being held at Savoy Place. All NAS members are welcome to attend.