The Institute of Fundraising and the Public Fundraising Association have appointed Mike Smith as joint head of media and public affairs, in a further indication of a closer connection between the two bodies.

Smith was most recently head of public affairs at Age UK and before that worked for Oxfam in government relations and campaigning roles. He will take up his new role on 12 October.

His appointment is the latest of several indications that the IoF and PFRA are moving closer together.

At last week’s evidence session Richard Taylor, chair of the IoF, said that the IoF and the PFRA “may merge”. In the summer the two bodies announced a strategic partnership to provide leadership on fundraising issues.

Smith will split his time between the two organisations’ offices and report jointly to Ceri Edwards, director of policy and communications at the IoF and Peter Hills-Jones, chief executive of the PFRA.

He said: “I am really excited to be taking up this new role at such an important time for the fundraising sector. The need to promote the role of charities has never been more vital.”

Edwards said: “We are delighted to have Mike joining us at such an important time for our sector. Mike brings with him some excellent experience and skills that will help us build trust and confidence in the way our sector works over the coming months and years."

Hills-Jones said: “The sector has been challenged to strengthen the self-regulation of fundraising and by working with us to deliver our joint strategic partnership, Mike's experience of working with a range of stakeholders - both political and media - will be crucial to how our organisations deliver the best for our members.”