Published Wednesday 13 November 2025

In January 2025 Andrew Willetts will join the Orpheus Centre as its Chief Executive Officer. Andrew comes from Oasis Charitable Trust where he was the Principal Director for Oasis Restore. Andrew and his team created, designed and built the UK’s first secure school with a therapeutic and integrated model of education, health and care at the heart of their programme. In his career, Andrew has held leadership roles in a wide range of sectors, including charity/ non-profit, local authority, education, public health and youth justice work. He and his teams have been recognised nationally for delivering some of the most innovative programmes in local and central government.

Orpheus Chair Howard Webber 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.’

Andrew 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, whilst 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 with some of the students, staff, leadership and trustees. On the journey home, I knew this was the organisation I wanted to join. I look forward to meeting you all over the coming weeks and months as we start our next chapter together.’

Follow Andrew on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-willetts

Jay Harris, Head of HR will serve as Interim CEO until Andrew Willetts arrives in January 2025.