Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges has been appointed as Head of Coram PACEY, succeeding Helen Donohoe in the role from the 1st of October.
During Helen’s time at the organisation, she has been instrumental in raising our profile and that of our members, championing the work that they do and lobbying Government on their behalf. She is passionate about making sure childminders, nannies and home-based childcare professionals are a respected part of the childcare and early years sector. Most recently, Helen oversaw the transition to the Coram Group as Coram PACEY to secure its long-term future and the future of childminders.
Everyone at Coram PACEY would like to thank Helen for her dedication to the organisation, exceptional policy work on behalf of our members and for the respect, empathy and consideration she has shown every day as our leader. We warmly wish her all the best for the future.
Quote from Helen Donohoe
“It’s been a huge pleasure working with the Coram PACEY team over the last six years, as well as all the dedicated colleagues I’ve met and worked with across the early education and childcare sector.
Catherine Barnes, Membership Services
“I would like to say a big thank you to Helen for her dedication and loyalty to Coram PACEY and most importantly the childcare sector. Her knowledge and passion will be very much missed. A lovely, fun, honest, interesting and approachable person. Thank you Helen and I wish you only the very best in your new ventures.”
Shelley Rees, PACEY Cymru Service Manager
“I am writing this message to thank you Helen for your leadership and support. You’ve made sure the organisation continued and survived whilst being selfless throughout. You’ve been our voice, always campaigning for the best outcome for both our members and your staff. Thank you for being so approachable, and for your kindness. I wish you well for the future and for the adventures that lie ahead be that on a personal or professional level.
Diolch yn fawr unwaith yn rhagor/ Thank you once again”
Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges
Ka Lai Brightley- Hodges will be stepping into the role of Head of Coram PACEY as we enter an exciting new phase and kick starting our key mission: to reverse the decline of registered childminders and all home-based childcare professionals.
Previously, Ka Lai has held the role of Head of Membership and Marketing here at Coram PACEY, looking after our 14,000 members, leading our efforts to raise the profile of Coram PACEY, our members and all home-based childcare professionals. Heavily involved with our policy and advocacy work, relationships with key stakeholder groups such as DfE and Ofsted as well as spearheading Coram PACEY’s annual Childminding Week and national conference, Ka Lai is well versed in the challenges that impact home-based childcare professionals and the support that they, their children and their childcare businesses need.
Quote from Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges
“I am extremely honoured and excited to be taking on a new role to lead Coram PACEY at such an important time for our organisation and for childminders. I firmly believe that the next year will bring positive changes for our members and all childminders, and I am committed to working closely with DfE to ensure this.
I thank Helen for her amazing leadership over the past 3 years which has allowed Coram PACEY to operate as it does today as part of the Coram group and I thank the whole team for their hard work and dedication to our cause.
I know that with the support as always of our members, Carol and the other organisations in the Coram group, we will move closer to our goal to reverse the decline of registered childminders and all home-based childcare professionals.”
Quote from Carol Homden CBE, Coram Chief Executive
“Childminding is the bedrock of home-based care for many children and families who need it. Under the leadership of Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges and building on the outstanding work done by Helen Donohoe, Coram PACEY will continue to support members in their own development and champion their role in securing the best start for all our children.”
