In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the charity and broadcasting sectors, Terry Duddy, the newly appointed chair of BBC Children in Need, has resigned just days after taking up the post. The move follows Duddy’s conviction for causing serious injury by careless driving in an incident that left a cyclist badly hurt, raising urgent questions about the vetting processes at one of the UK’s most prominent children’s charities.
The incident at the heart of this controversy occurred in June 2025, in the quiet village of Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. According to The Sun and corroborated by Thames Valley Police, Duddy, 69, was driving a black BMW SUV when he cut across an oncoming lane at a junction. The vehicle struck a female cyclist in her fifties who had right of way, resulting in serious injuries. CCTV footage released by the police revealed the harrowing moment: the cyclist was thrown into the air and landed on the road as shocked bystanders rushed to her aid.
Last Thursday, November 13, Duddy received his sentence: an eight-month custodial term suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work, legal costs totaling £272, and an 18-month driving disqualification. Thames Valley Police stated, “Last Thursday, Mr Duddy, of Nightingales Lane, Chalfont St Giles, received an eight-month custodial sentence that is suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed, costs totalling £272 and an 18-month driving disqualification.”
Despite the gravity of the incident, Duddy’s appointment as chair of BBC Children in Need was announced on October 21, 2025—eleven days before his resignation. The charity’s board and staff were reportedly unaware of the impending legal case at the time of his selection. As road.cc reported, “We were not aware of the court case before he was appointed.” Duddy’s court date and the subsequent conviction had already been scheduled by the time his new role was made public, prompting scrutiny over the thoroughness of the charity’s background checks and appointment process.
The resignation was confirmed on November 18, just days after the charity’s annual telethon, which raised an impressive £45.5 million. Duddy informed the charity of his conviction on Tuesday and offered his resignation, which the board immediately accepted. In an email to staff, outgoing chief executive Simon Antrobus acknowledged the abrupt change and sought to reassure the team: “I recognise this will be a surprise but I want to reassure you all that we remain in a strong and stable position, and we remain focused on helping children and young people thrive.”
James Fairclough, a trustee with BBC Children in Need since 2021, was swiftly appointed as the new chair. The charity issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to its mission: “James Fairclough, a Trustee since 2021, has been formally appointed Chair with immediate effect. We remain focused on helping children and young people thrive.”
Duddy’s resignation marks just the latest in a string of high-profile departures and controversies at the BBC in 2025. Earlier this month, Director Tim Davie and CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness both resigned following public outcry over the broadcaster’s handling of a Panorama documentary on Donald Trump, which was accused of deceptive editing. The BBC has also faced criticism for its coverage of the Gaza conflict, impartiality complaints, and a series of scandals involving presenters and talent across its programming.
The sudden leadership vacuum at Children in Need comes at a pivotal time for the charity, which has long been regarded as a linchpin in the UK’s philanthropic landscape. The annual telethon remains a major event, galvanizing public support and raising millions for vulnerable children and young people. The charity’s ability to weather this storm will likely depend on its transparency and the public’s continued trust in its operations.
Duddy’s career prior to this controversy was marked by significant achievements in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors. He served as CEO of Argos and Homebase’s parent company, where he was credited with “inventing” click and collect catalogue ordering—a retail innovation that reshaped British shopping habits. He stepped down as chief executive in 2013 amid criticism of his £1.6 million salary. Since then, he has chaired the board of the welfare charity Catch22 and London Marathon Events, the latter responsible for organizing the RideLondon sportive as recently as 2024.
Catch22, where Duddy remains chair, is now facing its own reckoning. A spokesperson for the organization told The Mirror, “We were notified yesterday by our Chair, Terry Duddy, of his conviction for careless driving causing serious injury. We are investigating the implications of this for his role at Catch22 and will provide a further update once this is completed.” The fallout from Duddy’s conviction could have wider ramifications for his other leadership roles, as stakeholders assess the reputational risks associated with his continued involvement.
For BBC Children in Need, the episode has exposed vulnerabilities in its governance procedures. The fact that Duddy’s legal troubles were not detected prior to his appointment has prompted calls for more rigorous vetting of senior leaders, especially in organizations with high public profiles. The charity’s statement, “We were not aware of the court case before he was appointed,” underscores the need for improved background checks and communication between candidates and boards during recruitment.
This leadership crisis also arrives at a moment when the BBC itself is under intense scrutiny. The broadcaster’s recent history has been marred by controversies ranging from editorial decisions to personnel issues, including allegations of misconduct, impartiality breaches, and high-profile resignations. Public trust in the BBC and its affiliated organizations has been tested repeatedly, and each new controversy seems to add to the sense of instability at the top.
As for the cyclist injured in the June crash, details about her current condition remain private, but her ordeal has become a focal point in discussions about road safety and accountability for those in positions of power. The release of CCTV footage by Thames Valley Police has reignited debates over driver responsibility, particularly when incidents involve senior figures in public life.
For now, BBC Children in Need is moving forward under new leadership, determined to maintain its focus on supporting children and young people across the UK. Whether this latest setback will have lasting repercussions remains to be seen, but the charity’s swift response and transparent communication may go some way toward restoring confidence among donors, staff, and the wider public.
Ultimately, Terry Duddy’s brief and ill-fated tenure as chair serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence, transparency, and accountability at the highest levels of charitable and public organizations.
