Disability charity Scope has appointed Mark Atkinson as its interim chief executive after Richard Hawkes left the organisation in May.

Atkinson, who joined Scope as director of external affairs in 2013, has been appointed interim chief executive while the board looks for a permanent chief executive over the summer. According to a statement Scope hopes to have a full-time chief executive in place by spring 2016.

Atkinson replaces Richard Hawkes, who held the position of chief executive since 2010 before leaving Scope on 31 May. Hawkes, who said he joined the charity when it was “in a difficult place”, and that he was "leaving it in a position of strength".

Of the interim appointment, Andrew McDonald, Scope’s chair said that Atkinson’s main role was to continue the implementation of Scope’s vision for 2015/16.

“Mark’s priority will be to lead a piece of work, to focus the organisation so that over the next few years we have the robust finances, plans and operating model to deliver our strategic ambitions, attract new supporters and change society for the better.

“This is a critical period. Mark is the right person to lead the organisation through the challenges we face.”

Mark Atkinson said that he was looking forward to his new role. “This is going to be a busy six months at Scope," he said. "We are launching the final report of the independent Extra Costs Commission.

“We have opened three new Face 2 Face services and are progressing with transforming services that don’t reflect our ambition when it comes to disability. We are warming up for the return of End the Awkward, Great Donate and Steptember.”

Before joining Scope, Atkinson held senior management roles with Ambitious about Autism, the Local Government Association, Citizens Advice and Youth Sport Trust.