Suicide bereavement charity appoints CEO
Josie Jakub has joined Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) as its chief executive.
Under her leadership, SoBS will focus on expanding awareness, strengthening financial stability, and advocating for better resources and policy recognition for suicide bereavement support.
Jakub said: “SoBS has been a lifeline for me, as it has been for so many others navigating the complex, often isolating experience of suicide bereavement.
“I am honoured to lead this incredible organisation, building on its strong foundations to ensure that no survivor has to go through this journey alone.”
Children with Cancer UK hires CEO
Children with Cancer UK has appointed Gavin Maggs as its next chief executive from June.
Since 2020, Maggs has been the director of development and alumni relations at the University of Birmingham.
Maggs said: “I am delighted to be joining Children with Cancer UK and look forward to working with the team, our supporters and the trustees to lead us into the next phase of our growth, towards a world where every child and young person survives cancer.
“I would also like to thank Amar Naher for his sterling work as interim CEO, to build on his efforts will be a privilege.”
Surviving Economic Abuse welcomes CEO
Sam Smethers has been appointed as the chief executive of the domestic abuse charity Surviving Economic Abuse.
Smethers has been acting as interim chief executive for the charity since its founder Nicola Sharp-Jeffs stepped down as chief executive in May 2024.
Smethers said: “It has been a real privilege to lead the charity over the last year and I look forward to building on our founder Nicola’s remarkable achievements.”
Kent Community Foundation announces chief executive
Catherine Glover has been appointed as Kent Community Foundation’s new chief executive.
Glover has held senior leadership positions in organisations including CDP in which she secured funding to advance social and environmental initiatives.
She said: “Leading an organisation which is pivotal to stable and impactful giving is an incredible honour and I am excited to make headway into a new chapter for Kent Community Foundation.”
Marine Society & Sea Cadets appoints chief executive
Guy Holloway has been appointed as the new chief executive of Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC).
Holloway, who previously held roles in organisations such as the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, will join MSSC on 1 May, undertaking a two-week handover period.
He said: “I am thrilled to be joining MSSC and working alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and cadets who make this organisation so impactful.
“I look forward to building on the charity’s successes and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional opportunities for those we serve.”
BBC Media Action appoints director of fundraising
BBC Media Action has appointed Rob Melvill as its director of fundraising, leading a newly combined directorate focused on income generation.
Melvill joins BBC Media Action from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, where he was director of relationships income and engagement.
Melvill said: “At a time when funding for independent media and trustworthy information is under threat, BBC Media Action’s work around the world has never been more important.”
Gunnersbury Park & Museum appoints head of museum services
Gunnersbury Park & Museum has appointed Corinne Wan as its head of museum services.
Wan was previously senior curator at The Postal Museum London, where she led the care, development, research and interpretation of collections.
Wan said: “I’m thrilled to join the team at Gunnersbury Park & Museum. It's an honour to take on the care, curation and programme management for such a cherished community asset.
“I look forward to working with the Gunnersbury team to build on our public engagement programme and introduce Gunnersbury’s unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty and recreational opportunities to new audiences; while maintaining our strong ties with the local community.”
Pancreatic Cancer UK appoints chair
Pancreatic Cancer UK has appointed David Rose as its new chair of trustees.
Rose joined the charity as it prepares for its largest-ever partnership as the official charity for the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
Rose said: “I am very excited and honoured to be taking on the role of chair of Pancreatic Cancer UK.
“The work the charity is doing, to support patients and their families, investing in research to diagnose and treat people earlier and to champion gold standard care in the NHS is making a difference to so many people.”
Cardboard Citizens announces chair
Arts and social justice charity Cardboard Citizens has announced the appointment of Anna Williams as chair.
Williams will succeed Prue Skene who has chaired the board since 2016.
Williams said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been asked to join the board of Cardboard Citizens as chair.
“After more than 30 years of working in arts, my belief in the power of stories and storytelling remains undimmed.”
Bikeability Trust welcomes new chair
Former transport minister Trudy Harrison has been appointed as the new chair of the Bikeability Trust, a charity that delivers national cycle training programmes.
Harrison said: “Enabling more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely has been a major focus throughout my career, and I am delighted to take on the role as chair at the Bikeability Trust.
“Supporting children and families to develop the confidence to cycle is critical in creating a healthier future for Britain.
“Bikeability has done incredible work delivering high-quality cycle training, and I look forward to helping drive this vital work forward.”
Education charity appoints AI specialist as chair
Bristol-based educational charity and science centre We The Curious has appointed artificial intelligence (AI) specialist Tom Betts as its new chair.
Betts, who took over from Nick Jones as chair last month, is a non-executive director at the UK Hydrographic Office and adviser in the field of AI and application of cutting-edge technologies.
Jones had been the charity’s chair since September 2021, including a 14-month closure period due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a subsequent two-year closure due to a fire on the roof in April 2022.
Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust welcomes treasurer
Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has announced Jane Ross as the newest member of its board of trustees.
Ross succeeds Joe Burnie as the charity’s treasurer on the board of trustees, who steps down after nine years.
Ross said: “I feel very privileged to be part of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
“It’s inspiring to work with a charity that makes such an incredible difference to the lives of young people who are building a life following cancer treatment.”
Roundhouse announces new trustees
Music and performing arts charity Roundhouse has appointed Florencia Kassai, Natasha Mann and Kevin O'Hare as new trustees.
Kassai is the managing partner at mid-market private equity firm Inflexion; Mann was the director of diversity and inclusion at Universal Music UK and managing director at Island Records; O'Hare is the director of the Royal Ballet.
Kassai said: “I am thrilled to join the Roundhouse as a trustee. I have always believed that the arts are essential – not just for artists, but for everyone.”
Mann said: “With an ambitious vision for its future, that places supporting young diverse talent at its heart, I couldn't be more delighted to get started.”
O’Hare said: “I am delighted to become a trustee of the Roundhouse – a venue that has always felt very special to me.”
CRUK welcomes trustees and committee members
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has appointed four new trustees.
Nancy Rothwell, previously vice chancellor of the University of Manchester, René Medema, former head of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Kate Smaje, McKinsey senior partner, and Mark Evans, consumer marketing expert, have all joined the charity’s board.
CRUK also appointed Philippa Kramer and Judy Parfitt as non-trustee members of the council’s people and remuneration committee.
VODG welcomes three new trustees
Membership body the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) has welcomed Naomi Dickson, chief executive of Norwood, Angela Murphy, chief executive of Fitzroy and Stephen Veevers, chief executive of Hft, to its board of trustees.
Dickson said: “At a time when social care is under enormous strain, I am pleased to be able to support the vital work of VODG to help strengthen the sector and amplify the voices of member organisations.”
Murphy said: “The power of VODG is in the expertise and diversity of its membership.
“I am proud to be joining the board and look forward to playing my part in harnessing that power and supporting VODG as we focus on creating a positive future for people who rely so much on social care to live their best lives.”
Veevers said: “I am committed to ensuring that the voices and needs of disabled people are heard at all levels of policy and decision-making, both regionally and nationally.”
NCVO welcomes new royal patron
Umbrella body NCVO has welcomed the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward as its new royal patron.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was NCVO’s previous royal patron before her death in 2022.
Priya Singh, chair of trustees of NCVO said: “We are thrilled to welcome HRH the Duke of Edinburgh as our new patron and look forward to working together to ensure the voices of charities and volunteers are heard.
“His passion for charitable work and volunteering will help us shine a light on the vital work charities do every day.
“The duke will be a wonderful ambassador, championing the invaluable contributions of charities and volunteers and inspiring others to support their vital work.”
Veterans Housing Scotland welcomes new patron
Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal has become a new patron of Veterans Housing Scotland, a charity providing homes to disabled veterans in Scotland.
Chief Executive Kevin Gray said: “2025 is a very special year for VHS and to welcome Her Royal Highness to our reception was a great honour.
“HRH was very interested in our beneficiaries’ stories and how their lives have changed for the better since meeting Veterans Housing Scotland.”
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