A4U Chief Officer Fiona Williams Retires After Over Two Decades of Service

A4U celebrate the contribution of retiring Chief Officer, Fiona Williams, ending an outstanding chapter in the charity’s history after 23 years of dedicated service. Through her commitment, expertise and passion for improving the lives of local people with disabilities and long-term health conditions she became an integral part of the charity’s growth and success.

Fiona’s journey with A4U began in September 2003 when she joined the organisation as a Finance Manager, working just one day a week. In 2017, Fiona was appointed Chief Officer, taking on responsibility for leading the organisation through a period of significant development and change.

Fiona’s careful stewardship has helped ensure that the charity remains resilient and well-positioned to meet the needs of the communities it serves, even during challenging times for the voluntary sector including the COVID-19 pandemic and the removal of Legal Aid policy. Under Fiona’s leadership, A4U has continued to expand and enhance its advice services, supporting thousands of individuals and families across Shropshire. She has also played a pivotal role in the launch and development of the Shropshire Autism Hub, which has become a valued resource for autistic people, their families, and carers throughout the county.

Speaking about her time at A4U, Fiona said:
“I can only say what a privilege and a joy it has been to be a part of A4U. I was new to the world of disability in a working capacity when I joined, but I was immediately struck by the positive, supportive and inclusive approach the organisation took, working with rather than for people, with a depth of understanding and empathy which made a huge difference to client’s experience. We have always built on our strengths, and it was a good to hear from some of our original Trustees, staff and volunteers attending our recent 30th birthday celebrations that they were pleased to see we had the same core ethos that had driven the creation of the original service, still being user led and focussed on responding to the needs of our clients, developing services with them that really worked for them. I am so proud of my staff team, and I know they will continue to support the development of the organisation under new leadership.”

As Fiona prepares to retire, A4U has announced the appointment of Jacob Ayre as its new Chief Officer. Jacob brings more than 15 years of experience in community services and in which he has championed co-production, ensuring that people with lived experience are actively involved in the design and delivery of services. Jacob’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for A4U. His commitment to person-centred support, partnership working, and community-led development aligns closely with the organisation’s values and future ambitions.

Speaking about the transition, Jacob said:
“Fiona has made an extraordinary contribution to A4U and the wider community over the past two decades. Her leadership has left the charity in a strong and sustainable position with an excellent reputation, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to build on that legacy. I look forward to collaborating with our colleagues, volunteers, partners, and the people who use our services to build on our success and continue delivering high-quality, person-centred services with lasting impact.

While Fiona will be greatly missed by colleagues, trustees, and service users alike, her retirement represents a moment to celebrate a remarkable commitment to A4U and the communities we serve. Everyone at A4U extends their sincere thanks to Fiona for her years of service and wishes her a happy, and well-deserved retirement.