Safe Passage recruits interim boss
Wanda Wyporska has been appointed as interim CEO of refugee charity Safe Passage International. She replaces Beth Gardiner-Smith, who held the role for five and a half years.
Most recently, Wyporska was CEO of the Black Equity Organisation before leaving in November 2023.
Before that, she led the Society of Genealogists for a year and a half and held senior roles at the Equality Trust, League Against Cruel Sports, Unionlearn with TUC and more.
On her appointment, she said: “Coming from a refugee and migrant family, I know just how important it is for people fleeing war and persecution to be able to reunite with loved ones and to have safe ways they can reach protection.”
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation hires CEO
Laurie Lee has been appointed as CEO of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation, one of the largest independent charitable foundations in the UK.
Lee has been interim CEO of the foundation since last April, and took over from Kieron Boyle, who stepped down after seven years at the helm.
Lee was CEO of Care International UK for eight years and held director roles at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the government’s department for international development.
Susanne Given, chair of the Guy’s & St Thomas’s Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that Laurie will be leading the organisation and the incredibly important work that we’re doing to improve health equity.
“He brings extensive experience to the role from across several senior third sector and government roles.”
New leader for Leukaemia Care
The Worcestershire-based charity Leukaemia Care has appointed Colin Dyer as its chief executive. Dyer will replace Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, who was in post for three years.
Dyer joins from the Charity from Special Olympics Great Britain, where he was CEO for two years. Prior to this, he spent 12 years leading WellChild.
Chris Matthews-Maxwell, chairman of Leukaemia Care, said: “The board is delighted to appoint a person of Colin’s extensive and varied experience, who will be joining the charity at an interesting time of its growth and development.”
Royal College of Psychiatrists appoints CEO
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), which has a total income of over £22m, has announced Sonia Walter as its permanent CEO. She was appointed on an interim basis in December following the departure of Paul Rees after seven years in post.
Walter joined RCPsych in 2000 as assistant conference manager and was promoted several times before becoming director of professional standards in 2019 where she led on the charity’s events, training and workforce.
She said: “I have dedicated my professional life to the goals of the college, so it is a tremendous privilege to have been appointed as chief executive.
“I know the pressures our members face, and I will work tirelessly to develop innovative ways of supporting their professional needs.
New CEO for Police Care UK
Renata Gomes has been appointed as chief executive of Police Care UK, the charity for police officers who are harmed during service. Gomes succeeds Gill Scott-Moore, who stepped down last year after a decade at the helm.
Gomes joins from Blind Veterans UK Group, where she was chief scientific officer for four years. In 2016, she was a senior lecturer in haematology and cardiovascular medicine and has worked in research at various universities.
Police Care UK chair, Derek Ray-Hill, said: “Renata’s experience in clinical matters, science, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and business management is the ideal combination to deliver this.
“She will take Police Care UK forward to expand our capabilities and ensure we are at the forefront of combating stress and trauma in policing.”
Scottish leisure charity appoints CEO
Edinburgh Leisure has announced Jen Holland as its new CEO. She succeeds June Peebles, who retired last month after she spent 38 years working at the charity, with 10 spent as CEO.
Holland joins the charity from the Scottish Borders Council where she was director of strategic commissioning and partnerships, having worked at the council for almost five years.
Scott Haldane, chair of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “While everyone – staff and customers alike – was sad to see June go, she has left behind an organisation that is mature and certain of its purpose.
“A charity dedicated to make a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active and achieve more.”
Postal Museum announces chair
Sue Wilkinson has been appointed as chair of the Postal Museum. She succeeds Rick Wills, who had an eight-and-a-half-year tenure.
Wilkinson was formerly CEO of the Reading Agency for five years. She was director of policy at Museums, Libraries and Archives Council for 12 years and is a qualified teacher.
She said: “The museum’s inspiring vision is one I am very much looking forward to supporting and developing.
“It is a great honour to have been appointed as chair of trustees.”
Cancer52 appoints vice chair
Cancer52, which represents 115 cancer charities, has appointed Rebecca Porta as its vice chair of the board. She previously served as interim chair.
Porta is currently CEO of the Cancer52 member charity the Urology Foundation. Formerly, she was CEO of male cancer charity Orchid Cancer Appeal for over 11 years.
Anne MacDowell, chair of Cancer52, said: “Rebecca brings an immense wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment to the board.
“Her ability to foster collaborations and drive growth positions her perfectly for the role of vice chair. As Cancer52 continues to thrive, we’re excited to benefit from Rebecca’s expertise and vision.”
Become recruits chair and vice chair
Leslie Murphy has been appointed as the chair of Become, a charity for children in care and care leavers.
Murphy was formerly CEO of Crisis, a director of the Prince’s Trust and is currently chair for the homelessness charity Pathway.
Meanwhile, Marvin Campbell has been appointed as vice chair of Become. Campbell is a senior consultant at Deloitte and most recently he supported the engagement and policy recommendations for the children’s social care review.
Katharine Sacks-Jones, CEO of Become, said: “We are very excited about the positive impact we will have in the years ahead with Leslie’s support and guidance.
“We’re fortunate to also be joined by Marvin as vice chair who brings a huge amount of personal and professional experience to the board.”
