Frank Buckley
Even by our usual standards, 2009 has been an exhausting year. It has been a year in which we have provided more advice and support to more people in more places than ever before. It has also been a year in which we have invested more in research than we have at any time in the past 30 years. These are great achievements, for which sincere thanks goes to our donors, customers, volunteers and staff. Read more...
I'm delighted that we have today launched our new web seminars and online courses. These new online services are the first of many we hope to start delivering over the next year. Read more...
We have been commenting on the rising birth rate in the UK for a little while now. Now a new study shows similar trends in the USA. Read more...
Places are being snapped up quickly at the our Down Syndrome Education Conferences this autumn. Book today to guarantee a place on one of the family or professional tracks at either the London or California event. Read more...
Frank has worked for Down Syndrome Education International since 1996. Over
this time he has played a central role in the development and growth of the organisation.
From 1997, as Director of Finance and Operations, Frank led the
charity's growth from a small trust to a major research and services
provider, with turnover rising from £86,000 in 1995 to £666,000 in 2005.
Since being appointed CEO in 2007, he has implemented a strategy to
refocus and rapidly expand the charity’s research programmes and to
dramatically extend the reach of our dissemination and advice services –
both to accelerate the pace and widen the impact of scientific progress.
Over the past two years, this strategy has helped to further raise
income by more than 50% – to over £1.1 million ($1.8 million or €1.2
million) in 2009 and a projected £1.7 million ($2.8 million or €1.9
million) in 2010.
Today, the charity serves over 100,000 beneficiaries in over 180
countries – up over 30% in the past year alone.
Roles
Frank also serves as a Vice-President of the
European Down Syndrome Association.
Frank is a Fellow of Royal Society for
the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (The RSA), a
Member of the Institute of Directors
and a member of the Association of Chief
Executives of Voluntary Organisations.
Responsibilities
Frank is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the organisation.
Frank was appointed CEO in September 2007. He has worked for the
charity since 1997, during which time his primary responsibilities included financial
management and accounting, information systems development and support, personnel
management, legal and regulatory oversight, fundraising, marketing and publishing
activities.
Frank is a proficient programmer with skills in many areas of software, database
and web site development. He has led the development of web sites and publishing
systems since 1996. As well as his extensive operational experience, Frank maintains
a close interest in the professional and scientific work of the organisation. During
2006/7, he led the 2007-2012 Strategy Review.
Background
Frank was educated at The Portsmouth Grammar School
and Wells Cathedral
School
. Frank's elder sister has Down syndrome.
His mother led the early reading research that began
the charity's work and was instrumental in the founding of the charity.
Frank married Angela Byrne (a
research psychologist at the charity) in 2003. They have three young
boys.
Frank's interests include philosophy, European literature, science and politics.
He enjoys squash, skiing, walking and wine.
Selected publications
- Buckley F, Buckley SJ. Wrongful deaths and rightful lives – screening for Down syndrome.
Down Syndrome Research and Practice. 2008;12(2);79-86.
doi:10.3104/editorials.2087
- Buckley F. New and old directions. Down Syndrome Research and Practice.
2007;12(1);1-4. doi:10.3104/editorials.2034
- Buckley F, Sacks B. Multi-nutrient formulas and other substances as therapies for
Down syndrome: an overview. Down Syndrome News and Update. 1998;1(2);70-83.
doi:10.3104/perspectives.144