Children in Need chair resigns after crash conviction

Children in Need confirmed its recently appointed chair, Terry Duddy, has resigned following a driving conviction

The chair of BBC Children in Need has resigned just days into the role after he was convicted of careless driving for crashing into a cyclist.

Terence Duddy's BMW knocked a woman off her bike as he turned right on High Street, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, on 21 June.

The 69-year-old admitted causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on 13 November and was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

BBC Children in Need confirmed Duddy, who was appointed as chair on 21 October, had resigned, saying "he could not continue in this role".

As well as a suspended sentence, the court disqualified Duddy from driving or obtaining a licence for 18 months, fined him £85 costs plus £175 victim surcharge.

He will also have to carry out 200 hours of community service in the next 12 months.

Thames Valley Police posted details and footage of the crash with the woman, who was in her 50s, to its Facebook page.

It added: "The cyclist had right of way and a moment of carelessness from the driver, by not properly checking the road was clear to cross, has had a life changing impact on the cyclist."

Children in Need issued a statement following the sentencing.

It stated: "On Tuesday 18 November, our new chair Terry Duddy informed us that he had been convicted last week of causing serious injury through careless driving.

"In light of this he offered his resignation, which the board accepted, agreeing he could not continue in this role."

The charity also confirmed "robust" checks were carried out prior to Duddy's appointment.

A spokeswoman said: "In accordance with established processes for all senior hires at the BBC robust due diligence was undertaken, including a DBS [criminal record] check.

"No concerns were identified or disclosed during this process."

The charity confirmed James Fairclough, a trustee since 2021, would be replacing Duddy having formally been appointed chair "with immediate effect".

"We remain focused on helping children and young people thrive," it said.

When Duddy was appointed to the role, the charity said he brought "a wealth of governance and leadership experience across both the charity and commercial sectors, along with a strong commitment to supporting children and young people".

He was a trustee of the London Marathon Foundation, chair of London Marathon Events and chair of the charity Catch 22.

He has previously held senior commercial roles, including chief executive of Home Retail Group Plc.

Children in Need is one of the BBC's corporate charities and last week it raised more than £45m to help children and young people across the UK.

It operates independently with its own board of trustees, relying on public donations and other partners to fund its work.