Learning disability charity Mencap has appointed Unicef UK chief executive Jon Sparkes as its next permanent CEO.
Sparkes, who has led the international children’s charity since January 2022 and was previously CEO at homelessness charity Crisis and disability charity Scope, will move to Mencap in June.
Mencap’s acting chief executive Jackie O’Sullivan will continue in post until then, having taken the reigns from the charity’s last permanent CEO Edel Harris last year, before returning to her role as executive director of communications, advocacy and activism.
Unicef UK said its board has initiated the search process for a new chief executive and will provide a further update in due course.
Sparkes: ‘It will be an absolute honour’
Sparkes, who was awarded an OBE for his services to homeless people in 2022, said: “It has been a privilege to return to and lead Unicef UK over the past couple of years.
“I’m incredibly proud of the way Unicef UK has evolved in recent years and the work that’s been done to raise record income, deliver outstanding advocacy and impactful programming, all of which is having a real and lasting change to the lives of children in the UK and around the world.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to the organisation’s dedicated and talented staff, and our generous supporters and partners, without whom we could not continue to support Unicef’s vital work for the world’s children.”
On his appointment at Mencap, Sparkes said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join the Mencap team, and to lead the organisation working to make the UK the very best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
“It’s unacceptable that people with a learning disability continue to face inequalities and discrimination.
“Mencap’s work to deliver high quality and empowering support services at the same time as working alongside people with a learning disability to campaign for equal rights and opportunities is an inspiring mission that we should all get behind.
“It will be an absolute honour for me to play a part in this movement and to work with the incredible team that delivers Mencap’s work day in, day out.”
‘Unique mix of leadership’
Mencap chair Carolyn Fairbairn said: “I and my fellow trustees are thrilled that Jon will be joining Mencap as our new CEO.
“He brings a unique mix of leadership experience across both service delivery and policy influence at the highest level, alongside a deep commitment to leading values-led organisations.
“Jon’s personal passion for improving the lives of people with a learning disability will be invaluable as we continue on our mission to make the UK the best place in the world to live for people with a learning disability.
“We look forward to working with him and the rest of the outstanding Mencap team to make this a reality.
“I would also like to take this chance to thank Jackie O’Sullivan who has led Mencap with such skill and dedication as our acting CEO over the past five months.”
