In a swift and unexpected turn of events, BBC Children in Need’s newly appointed chair, Terrence "Terry" Duddy, has resigned less than a month into his tenure following a conviction for causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving. The resignation comes as the charity, one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent fundraising organizations for children, had just celebrated raising more than £45 million in its annual appeal.
Duddy, 69, stepped down after being sentenced for a car crash that severely injured a cyclist in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. The incident, which occurred on June 21, 2025, left a woman in her fifties with what police described as "life-changing" injuries. According to Thames Valley Police, Duddy was driving his BMW and turned right off the high street, colliding with the cyclist who had the right of way. The force reported that the woman was thrown from her bicycle and onto the road, suffering significant harm.
The consequences for Duddy were pronounced on November 13, 2025. He received an eight-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, alongside an order to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. In addition, Duddy was required to pay £272 in costs and was banned from driving for 18 months. The sentence reflects the gravity of the injuries sustained by the victim and the court’s determination to hold Duddy accountable for his actions on the road.
The BBC Children in Need board responded promptly to the news of Duddy’s conviction. In a statement released by the charity, they explained: "On Tuesday November 18, 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 emphasized its ongoing mission, stating, "We remain focused on helping children and young people thrive."
Duddy’s appointment as chair had been announced on October 21, 2025, with the charity highlighting his extensive experience in both the charity and commercial sectors. At the time, BBC Children in Need said Duddy "brings 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." His past roles included serving as a trustee of the London Marathon Foundation, chair of London Marathon Events, and chair of the charity Catch 22. He also previously held the position of chief executive at Home Retail Group Plc, giving him a significant profile in British business and philanthropy.
In light of the incident, questions inevitably arose about the vetting process for such a high-profile appointment. The charity addressed these concerns directly, noting that "robust" checks were carried out before Duddy’s appointment. A spokeswoman for BBC Children in Need stated, "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." This statement underlines that the collision and subsequent conviction were not foreseeable during the selection process, as Duddy had no relevant criminal record at the time of his appointment.
The collision itself has cast a shadow over what should have been a period of celebration for BBC Children in Need. The charity’s annual appeal, held just days before the news of Duddy’s resignation broke, had raised over £45 million—a testament to the enduring generosity of the British public and the organization’s vital role in supporting children and young people across the country. BBC Children in Need operates independently with its own board of trustees and relies on public donations and partnerships to fund its work.
Following Duddy’s resignation, James Fairclough, a trustee since 2021, has stepped into the role of chairman. The board’s statement was clear about the transition: "James Fairclough, who has been a trustee since 2021, has taken his place as chairman." The charity expressed confidence in its ongoing leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to its mission, stating, "We remain focused on helping children and young people thrive."
The incident has sparked wider conversations about road safety and the responsibilities of those in high-profile public roles. Thames Valley Police were unequivocal in their assessment of the crash’s impact, stating that it "had a life-changing impact" on the victim. The woman, who had the right of way, was left with severe injuries after being struck by Duddy’s vehicle. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of careless driving and the importance of vigilance behind the wheel—no matter one’s status or experience.
For BBC Children in Need, the episode represents a significant, if temporary, disruption to its leadership at a critical time. The charity’s annual appeal is not only a major fundraising event but also a focal point for public goodwill and engagement. The swift action taken by the board to accept Duddy’s resignation and appoint a new chair may help to reassure supporters and maintain the organization’s reputation for integrity and transparency.
As for Duddy himself, the incident marks a dramatic and unfortunate chapter in an otherwise distinguished career. His prior contributions to the charity sector and business world are now overshadowed by the conviction and its aftermath. The case highlights the unpredictable nature of public life and the high standards to which leaders—particularly those in roles involving vulnerable groups—are held.
Meanwhile, the cyclist at the heart of the story continues to recover from injuries described as "life-changing" by police. The details of her recovery and the long-term impact on her life remain private, but the case has undoubtedly brought renewed attention to the dangers faced by cyclists on Britain’s roads.
BBC Children in Need’s ability to raise over £45 million in its latest appeal demonstrates the enduring trust and support it enjoys from the public. The organization’s quick response to a crisis in leadership, coupled with its transparent communication, may help it navigate this challenging period without losing sight of its core mission: to help children and young people thrive, no matter the circumstances.
