British Museum hires interim director
The British Museum has recruited Mark Jones as its interim director after its director stepped down due to stolen items last month.
Hartwig Fischer was in the role for seven years until the recent scandal, when an employee was dismissed over 2,000 “missing, stolen or damaged” items from the museum.
George Osborne, chair of the British Museum, said: “I promised we would learn lessons and then lay the foundations for a strong future. Mark’s appointment is a big step in that direction. I look forward to working together.”
The appointment is still subject to approval from the prime minister, but culture secretary Lucy Frazer and colleagues at DCMS and the treasury were involved in the appointment, the museum said.
Jones was assistant keeper of coins and medals at the British Museum from 1974 to 1990 and then keeper of coins and medals from 1990 to 1992.
Previously, he has been director of the National Museums of Scotland, Victoria & Albert Museum and was master at St Cross College, Oxford. He is chair of the Pilgrim Trust, Hospitalfield and the National Trust for Scotland.
Cherie Blair Foundation for Women recruits permanent CEO
The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women has appointed Dhivya O'Connor as its permanent CEO. She takes over from interim CEO Peter Sargent, after permanent CEO Helen McEachern left to lead Care International UK.
She joins from The Girls’ Network, where she was interim CEO for almost a year. Previously, she has been CEO of Children with Cancer UK, United World Schools and interim chief of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
Chair of the foundation, Mathias Terheggen, commented on her appointment: “Dhivya brings a wealth of expertise and experience with her to the Foundation, and clearly demonstrates a passion and commitment to women's rights around the world.
“I am confident with Dhivya leading us we will achieve our goal to reach one million more women, continue to grow our impact and influence, and bring women entrepreneurs further into the heart of our work.”
Reading charity appoints CEO
Bookmark Reading Charity has appointed Emily Jack as its CEO. She succeeds Graihagh Crawshaw-Sadler, who stepped down in July to become CEO at Now Teach.
Jack has been promoted from her role as head of schools at the reading charity, a role she has occupied for 18 months. Before then, she founded Kings Tutors, a private tutoring company, which was bought by Ivy Education.
She is a qualified tutor and was director of the Tutor’s Association from 2019 to 2021.
Jack said: “I look forward to leading the team to implement our plans for future growth; building on our solid foundations to increase the depth and reach of our services, our impact and, most importantly, the number of children supported. Bookmark’s mission is very close to my heart - all children must be enabled to experience the joy of reading to have a fairer start in life.”
Sharon Pindar, chair of Bookmark added: “As an established member of the Bookmark family and with her extensive experience in the education sector and her proven track record to inspire, lead and execute, we are confident that Emily will excel in her new role as CEO.”
New director at Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK has appointed Charlotte Augst as the charity’s director of policy, campaigns and improvement. She succeeds Bridget Turner, who is retiring after more than 20 years at the charity.
She joins from National Voices, where she was chief executive for almost four years. She was previously a director at Macmillan Cancer Support and a trustee at Mosaic Clubhouse. Augst began her career as a researcher and office manager in the House of Commons.
CEO of Diabetes UK, Chris Askew, said: “Charlotte’s long track record of driving excellence in patient-centred care, health inequalities and long-term conditions make her the perfect person to lead our policy and care improvement work.
“We are thrilled to have Charlotte join the team in our fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm.”
Medaille Trust hires director of engagement
Medaille Trust, the modern slavery charity, has appointed Ben Ryan in its newly created role of executive director of engagement and strategic development.
He joins from the Church of England, where he was home affairs adviser for over three years. Before then, he was a researcher at Theos think tank.
Ryan said: “I’m incredibly excited to be starting this new role.
“The Medaille Trust has built an outstanding reputation as a leading charity in the fight against modern slavery and I’m delighted to be able to help them in this next phase as they look to expand their public and advocacy engagement.”
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity announces next chair
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity has recruited Richard Jones as its chair. He takes over from Dorothy Dalton, who is stepping down after three years in post.
Previously, Jones was CEO of Viapath and has been a trustee of Ambient Support.
Commenting on his appointment, Jones said: “I am delighted to be taking over as chair and I am excited by the opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the RNOH charity and RNOH to transform the hospital’s infrastructure and services for the benefit of RNOH patients, the hospital workforce and wider musculoskeletal service innovation.”
PM appoints trustee to Natural History Museum
The prime minister has appointed Shahpur Kabraji as a trustee of the Natural History Museum.
Kabraji is a partner of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, a global law firm. Trustees at the museum are not remunerated.
Four trustees recruited to Money Advice Trust
Four trustees are set to join Money Advice Trust in January.
- Mark Allison is a policy and strategy specialist and former leader of London Borough of Merton.
- Adam Khan has more than 20 years of tech experience at Google and Microsoft.
- Alexandra Meagher is group head of regulation at Octopus Energy Group.
- Zitah McMillan is CEO and co-founder of Predictive Black, a software service.
Christine Farnish, chair of the Money Advice Trust, said: “I am pleased to welcome Mark, Adam, Alexandra and Zitah, who all bring new skills and expertise to our strong board of trustees as we enter a new period of expansion and growth.
“Our four new trustees bring extensive experience across technology, policy, marketing and strategy which will be invaluable as we grow our work for people in financial difficulty.”
