The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action’s chief executive Joe Irvin is stepping down from the role, to be temporarily replaced by deputy chief executive Neil Cleeveley.

Irvin is leaving Navca to take up the position of chief executive at Living Streets, the national charity that campaigns on the behalf of pedestrians. Cleeveley takes up the role of acting chief executive today.

Joe Irvin, who has been Navca's chief executive since 2012, said: “It has been a real privilege to serve Navca members as their chief executive, and I am grateful to the trustees, staff and members for their support.

“I believe Navca members have an important role to play and look forward to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Local Infrastructure later.”

Navca’s chair, Caroline Schwaller, said: “I would like to thank Joe for his contribution to Navca and on behalf of trustees, staff and members wish him all the best for the future. I am delighted that we have someone with Neil’s experience to take up the reins.”

Irvin will take over as chief executive of Living Streets on 1 September from interim chief executive Phillipa Hunt. She has held the position since the departure of Tony Armstrong last month.

Irvin, who has previously been chief special adviser to John Prescott when he was Deputy Prime Minister, said he is “looking forward immensely” to joining Living Streets.