UK Youth CEO announces departure
UK Youth’s CEO Ndidi Okezie is leaving her position in December 2024, after five years in the role at the charity, which works with young people across the UK.
Okezie said: “Leading UK Youth has been an incredible journey of growth and impact.
“I'm deeply grateful to our amazing staff, the most dedicated network of organisations, and our generous funders and partners for their unwavering confidence and support.
“Together, we've achieved remarkable milestones in our mission to unlock the transformational power of youth work for all young people across the UK.”
The recruitment process for Okezie’s successor will begin shortly.
New CEO for St Joseph’s Hospice Hackney
Rachel Black has been announced as chief executive of charity St Joseph’s Hospice Hackney, which provides end-of-life care for local people in the east London borough.
Black is joining the charity from the Orpheus Centre, where she had been CEO since 2019, and was previously a registered nurse and director of multiple childrens’ hospices around the UK.
She will replace former CEO Tony McLean, who retires later this month
Environmental charity appoints president
Environmental and human rights activist Kumi Naidoo has been appointed president of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, which campaigns against the use of fossil fuels.
Naidoo has previously spent three decades in leadership roles at environmental and social justice organisations including Greenpeace and Amnesty International.
Loyd Grossman reappointed as chair of Royal Parks
Broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer Loyd Grossman has been reappointed as the chair of the Royal Parks.
Grossman has a long association with the arts and heritage sector, and is also chair elect of the Royal Society of Arts, and was previously a board member for charities including English Heritage, and was chairman of the Royal Conservation Trust and the Heritage Alliance.
The Royal Parks is the charity which looks after London’s urban parks, including Regents Park, St James’ Park, and Hyde Park.
Power to Change appoints deputy CEO
Nicola Steuer has been announced as the deputy CEO of the community business think-tank Power to Change.
Steuer previously spent almost three years at another independent think-tank, New Local, and has worked in the voluntary and community sector for over 25 years.
NHS Charities Together appoints COO
Chris Clements will be taking over the role of COO at the national healthcare charity network, NHS Charities Together, in September.
Clements previously held the position of chief finance and impact officer at Social Finance, a not-for-profit consultancy.
Clements said: “After almost nine years at Social Finance, I am excited to take on a new challenge.
“My previous experience leading on financial and commercial strategy across a complex mix of business models means I can really hit the ground running in this new role.”
Ambitious about Autism appoints chair
Robert Bishop has been appointed as the new chair of the board at Ambitious about Autism, a national autism charity which supports children and young people with autism.
Bishop is partner at global law firm DLA Piper, and previously chaired its international corporate practice. He also has lived experience of autism, and has supported the charity’s work for several years.
European Fundraising Association announces president
The European Fundraising Association (EFA) has announced that Ceri Edwards, executive director of change at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, has been voted in as its new president.
Edwards replaces Charlotte Rydh of the Swedish Fundraising Association, who steps down at the completion of her term.
The announcement comes amid the EFA’s restructuring with the creation of a new role, appointing Eva Torsson as its first executive director to work alongside its voluntary board, marking a critical expansion of the organisation’s capacity, that will reportedly support the EFA to grow its work and strengthen and develop fundraising across Europe.
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance appoints chair and trustees
Robbie Brown, a former corporate lawyer turned cattle farmer, has been appointed as the chair of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
Brown was formerly the chairman of the Loretto Foundation.
The charity’s has also appointed two trustees, Mike Stewart and Sean Cox.
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance flies to time-critical emergencies across Scotland.
NI regulator appoints two trustees
The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of two trustees to its board.
Leanne McCullough has been appointed commissioner while Hugh McKeag has been reappointed to the same role.
McCullough is a former accountant who subsequently moved into public sector roles across various government departments and agencies, while McKeag has previously served on a number of other charities’ boards.
Sex Matters appoints four trustees
Sex-based rights charity Sex Matters has appointed four new trustees: former 10 Downing Street advisor Tim Allan, barrister Anya Palmer, governance professional Kate Owen, and teacher Claire Weir.
Chair Naomi Cunningham said: “We are all thrilled with the new appointments, which broaden the expertise of our leadership team as we grow into our new role as a charity.
“When we put out an open call for new trustees earlier this year, we were blown away by the number – over 50 – and calibre of the applicants, all passionate about the protection of sex-based rights.
“Our new trustees will play a crucial role in shaping the organisation and taking our influence and impact to the next level.”
Independent Age announces ambassadors and trustees
Independent Age, which supports older people struggling with poverty in later life, has announced the appointment of five ambassadors and new trustees.
Margaret Dangoor, Leigh Lewis, Thabani Sithole, Brian Pomeroy and Baroness Julia Neuberger have been announced as ambassadors – a new role, whereby those in the role will use their individual networks and expertise to help the charity make meaningful changes.
Meanwhile, Helena Herklots, Julia Shelley and Josh Greenspan have been appointed as trustees.
National Autistic Society appoints managing director
Candice York is set to join National Autistic Society as its managing director of adult services in October, having previously held roles within adult social in operational leadership and clinical governance.
York said: “I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with the dedicated team to continue delivering high-quality support and expanding services.
“Together, we have the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting change for autistic adults, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard."
Head of operations appointed at families charity
Home-Start Wessex has appointed Belinda Hewett as its new head of operations, a new role designed to help the charity keep pace with rising demand.
Hewett previously worked in the NHS for 40 years, and was most recently Matron of Women’s Health Gynaecology at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.
Home-Start Wessex is a charity which supports families around the Sussex and Dorset areas.
Autism and Neurodiversity North Scotland appoints regional manager
Kirstie Wallace has been announced as the first ever Highland and Moray regional manager of the north Scotland branch of the autism charity, Autism and Neurodiversity.
Wallace is a former social worker who has previously taken on roles in the statutory and third sectors, including as a manager and a lecturer.
In her new role, Wallace will reportedly play a pivotal role in developing and enhancing the charity’s reach throughout local communities and authorities in the largely rural Highlands region.
Actors named ambassadors for Alzheimer’s Research UK
The UK’s leading dementia research charity has unveiled Hollywood actors Ruth Wilson and Will Poulter as their latest ambassadors.
Wilson has starred in hit series and films like the Affair, Luther, and His Dark Materials. She is personally motivated by witnessing her own father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Poulter has appeared in Hollywood blockbusters like We’re the Millers and the Chronicles of Narnia franchise.
Wilson said: “I am so proud to have been made an Ambassador of Alzheimer’s Research UK. The work the charity does is essential, and I can’t think of a much better use of my time.
“Seeing the effects of dementia on my dad has been heartbreaking, but knowing I’m helping to drive funds and awareness for this incredible cause means so much to me and my family.”
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