15th May 2025

L’Arche is delighted to announce that Laura Harper will take up the position of National Leader and Director of L’Arche UK.* In August 2025, Laura will take over from John Casson, and oversee L’Arche’s 11 Communities in England, Scotland and Wales.

Laura has been involved with L’Arche for over 20 years, in London and Manchester, as well as the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Argentina. She has worked as an Assistant supporting adults with learning disabilities, and as a volunteer and a Board Member. Since 2023, Laura has been L’Arche UK Director Care and Communities, overseeing the support of around 300 adults with learning disabilities. 

Laura has also had a varied career in Local Government across Housing, Health and Social Care, where she has developed her leadership experience and knowledge of the Learning Disability sector.  She lives in Beckenham with her family and dog, and is an active member of St Edmund’s Catholic parish.

Laura commented on her appointment: “When I spend time with people in L’Arche, I am struck by how much L’Arche has to share with the wider adult social care sector and with society as a whole.  In these challenging times, L’Arche is needed more than ever to be a beacon of brilliant support and beautiful community.  Over the last 12 months, we have developed plans for how we can do that by working better as an organisation. I’m really excited to lead L’Arche on that journey.” 

In the link below, find out how the National Speaking Council, representing people with learning disabilities in L'Arche, played a key role in the recruitment process.

How I helped recruit our next National Leader

*L’Arche UK is part of the International Federation of L’Arche Communities, operating in 37 countries worldwide. L’Arche’s mission is to make the world more inclusive, by building Communities where adults with and without learning disabilities share life.

 Photo: Laura Harper (left) enjoys a cup of tea with Donna from L'Arche London