LEADING LAWYER AND CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE APPOINTED AS CHAIR OF UK ADOPTERS’ CHARITY

Mike Rebeiro, international lawyer, children’s advocate, business leader and adopter, has been appointed as Chair of the Board for Adoption UK, the UK’s leading adopter’s charity, providing support, community and advocacy.

Mr Rebeiro and his wife Judith adopted siblings in 2007.

Mr Rebeiro said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity to bring together my personal and professional interests in support of the work of an organisation that is already making a big difference to some of the most vulnerable children in the UK. Adoption UK puts adopters and their children at the heart of all it does, from services to advocacy. As an adopter myself, I fully support that approach and am looking forward to building on it for the future.’

During a 30 year career as a city lawyer Mike Rebeiro held senior positions at global law firm Norton Fulbright LLP, where he led a team of 300 lawyers and played an active role in the firm’s LGBT and BAME employee groups. Alongside his legal practice Mr Rebeiro led major business transformation projects for corporates and governments, with a particular focus on digital transformation.

For the past decade Mr Rebeiro has been a volunteer for Action for Children, helping to raise £12 million as co-chair of an annual corporate sleep-out event, Byte Night. He has also been a Trustee of Drive Forward Foundation – a charity that helps young care leavers into full time employment.

Adoption UK’s Chief Executive Sue Armstrong Brown said: ‘Mike is joining us on the cusp of our 50th anniversary, when we’re reflecting on how adoption has changed and where it – and Adoption UK – need to go in the next 50 years. Given the breadth and relevance of his experience, we feel very lucky to have him with us on this journey.’

Mr Rebeiro takes over from Peter Seymour, who has held the position for 12 years. Mr Seymour said: ‘I’ve had the privilege of being part of AUK’s evolution into a champion for adoptive families, with a strong position in the sector. Mike is an extremely experienced adopter and leader and I feel confident he’s the right person to help Adoption UK build for the future.’