Terry Knott

Canine Partners for Independence, the charity which trains dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities, has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Terry Knott, who joined the organisation on 12 August, brings with him a wealth of experience ranging from business and financial management to e-commerce and teaching.

Having previously been a colonel in the Royal Marine Commandos, Terry Knott went on to become Chief Executive of the West Sussex Family Health Services and subsequently, set up his own three management companies. He is a Fellow and local Vice President of the newly chartered (national) Management Institute (CMI) and in his spare time, he occasionally chairs the Chichester Business Federation Steering Group and is Vice Chairman of the West Sussex Economic Forum Technology Task Group.

He also has several years' experience in leadership and management training and is an accomplished presenter and facilitator. He is currently taking a degree course in e-commerce and technology which will be an invaluable asset in planning the Charity's future internet activity.

Pleased

In addition to his business and management attributes, Terry Knott has first-hand experience of working with people with disabilities. Reporting to the Council of Trustees, he will be responsible for developing and managing the strategy and work of Canine Partners for Independence. Chairman of the Trustees, Nicky Pendleton said "We are very pleased to welcome Terry to Canine Partners for Independence.

His extensive experience in business and management will provide the Charity with the guidance necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive voluntary sector. His appointment will be a key factor in achieving our aim to develop a national, innovative, training centre of excellence at Heyshott. The centre will enable many more people with disabilities to experience the greatly improved self-confidence, self-esteem and peace of mind a Canine Partner can provide."

Commenting on his appointment, Terry Knott said "I am delighted to be joining Canine Partners for Independence at such an exciting time in the organisation's development. The Charity is on a path towards expansion and modernisation, with the recent launch in May of the "Home of Our Own" appeal to raise funds for the new Training Centre and the imminent launch of a new corporate identity."

"I am confident that my skills and experience in a range of fields will be put to good use in contributing to the future success of an organisation that makes such an enormous difference to many people's lives."