Lord Adebowale, chief executive of Turning Point, has become chair of Social Enterprise UK, the umbrella body for social enterprises. 

He has been appointed for a three-year period and succeeds Claire Dove, who had served two terms. 

Adebowale said: “As someone who leads a social enterprise I am committed to the social enterprise movement. We have an opportunity to redefine an economy based on business that matters to society and not just shareholder interests.

“Recent domestic and world events mean that the social enterprise model of doing business has never been more needed if we are to create the ‘inclusive economy’. I look forward to working with SEUK and am honoured to have been made their chair. Together with SEUK, I am determined that we present the public with a clear view of what social enterprise can offer and the value it can add to the lives of individuals, and the communities in which they live."

Adebowale has been chief executive of Turning Point since 2001. Before that he was chief executive of homelessness charity Centrepoint. He was awarded a CBE in 2000 for services to the New Deal, the unemployed, and homeless young people. In 2001, he was appointed a cross bench member of the House of Lords.

Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, said: “Victor will be joining us at what is a hugely exciting time for the social enterprise movement and for SEUK.

“Social enterprises are providing answers to the most pressing issues we’re facing from the crisis in social care to the building of a more equal economy that really works for everyone. Lord Victor’s knowledge, experience and vision will be invaluable in helping steer us through the coming years and in seizing the opportunities that exist.”