National Christian disability charity Livability has announced the appointment of Michael Smith OBE as its new Chief Executive.

Smith, a committed Christian, takes over from Mary Bishop who is stepping down after eight years in the role. It was under her leadership that Shaftesbury and John Grooms merged to become Livability in 2007.

Smith is the first Chief Executive to be appointed by the charity under its new Livability name. He comes to the role from his current post as Chief Executive of disability charity Enham and the Enabling Partnership, where he has been for the last 13 years.

He said: "I am delighted to have been appointed as Livability’s new Chief Executive and look forward to meeting the challenges ahead.

"We are facing the biggest shake up in social care for a generation at a time when there is incredible pressure on public finances.

"I am passionate about disability issues and committed to continuing the charity’s great work supporting and empowering disabled people and bringing life to local communities during this time of dramatic change."

Livability Chair, Baroness Howarth of Breckland, welcomed Smith to his new role.

She said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome Michael as our new Chief Executive.

"His wide-ranging experience of the charitable sector, and his knowledge of disability issues, will prove invaluable.

"I am sure he will make an outstanding contribution to our work at what is an exciting and challenging time for Livability and the sector as a whole.

"Michael is a committed Christian and will continue to build on the Christian ethos and commitment to faith in action that informs our values."