The Orpheus Centre, a charity and college supporting young disabled adults to learn life skills, gain qualifications and prepare for future employment, has appointed Andrew Willetts as chief executive officer. 

Willetts will succeed Rachel Black, who is leaving on 15 November after almost six years at the organisation to become chief executive of St Joseph’s Hospice. 

Willetts joins from the Oasis Charitable Trust, where he has been principal director for Oasis Restore, the first secure school in the country for children who have been remanded or sentenced by a court.

He has also held leadership roles across the local authority, education, public health and youth justice sectors. 

Howard Webber, chair of the Orpheus Centre, said: “We look forward very much to welcoming Andrew Willetts to the Orpheus family. His predecessor, Rachel Black, was always going to be a hard act to follow. In Andrew, we are confident we have found a worthy successor.” 

Willetts said: “For many years, the Orpheus Centre has delivered exceptional outcomes for young adults with disabilities. To join Orpheus at this exciting time of growth, while maintaining the outstanding Ofsted judgement achieved by the existing team, is a privilege.

“I had the joy of being given a tour recently and I met some of the students, staff, leadership and trustees. On the journey home, I knew this was the organisation I wanted to join.”

Jay Harris, head of HR at the chraity, will be interim chief executive until Willetts joins in January.