Action for Children appoints new chief executive

17 Apr 2018 News

Julie Bentley

Julie Bentley will leave her role as chief executive of Girlguiding to become chief executive of Action for Children, the two charities announced today.

Bentley, who has spent six years at Girlguiding, will step down from her current role in June, and take up the new job on 1 August. 

She succeeds Sir Tony Hawkhead, who stepped down in February due to ill health after four years in charge.

Girlguiding will start the search for a successor, with deputy chief executive Ruth Marvel leading the charity in the interim.

Bentley has previously served as chief executive of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and the Family Planning Association, and has spent most of her working life in the charity sector.

She said: “I will be very sad to leave Girlguiding, which is a fantastic charity working with hundreds of thousands of girls and young women every year. But after almost six years it felt time to hand over the baton and take on a new challenge myself.  

“Action for Children works with some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in our society. Its work is crucial and it will be an honour to join the trustees and staff and volunteers to take the charity forward.”

John O’ Brien, chair of Action for Children, said: “Julie Bentley is a fantastic appointment. She will bring with her much valued experience and skills. Action for Children is proud to have her on board to help transform the lives of disadvantaged children across the UK. 

“I know she will help us to make a huge difference to the lives of the children, young people and families we support. We are very grateful to Carol Iddon, managing director of children’s services, who has been acting CEO since Tony’s departure. She will continue in that role until the end of July.”

Val Elliott, interim chair at Girlguiding, said: "Julie has made a hugely valuable contribution during her time in post and Girlguiding has moved forward significantly under her leadership. The board of trustees is sorry to see her leave but we are delighted she has been appointed to such a prestigious position at Action for Children and she goes with our very warm thanks and best wishes."

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