Co-CEOs appointed permanently at ActionAid UK
ActionAid has announced the appointment of Hannah Bond and Taahra Ghazi as its permanent co-chief executives as the organisation embarks on what it describes as “a new phase of feminist leadership and strategic transformation”.
Bond joined ActionAid UK in 2021 and currently serves as interim co-CEO alongside her role as director of advocacy and influencing. Bond previously worked within the UK government and as director of gender action for peace and security.
Ghazi first joined ActionAid in 2000 and currently serves as interim co-CEO and director of innovation and impact. She began her career as a secondary school teacher in Hackney.
The new co-CEOs said: “We recognise the pivotal moment at which we step into these roles and the responsibility entrusted to us. We are inspired by the dedication and passion of everyone across the organisation and the partners we work with. It's an honour to lead this work alongside them.”
Clinks appoints CEO
Summer Alston-Smith has been appointed as the next CEO of Clinks, coming into post on 16 March after over two decades in the criminal justice and voluntary sectors.
Alston-Smith is currently the director of development and insights at Advance. She previously held roles at Prison Advice and Care Trust and strategic positions such as membership of Her Insight Collective expert advisory group, and serving as vice-chair of the Criminal Justice Alliance.
She said: “I’m delighted to be stepping into this role at such a critical moment for the sector. With the imminent passing of the sentencing bill and the ongoing work of the Women’s Justice Board, there is a significant opportunity to shape what comes next.
“This aligns with Clinks’ broader commitment to building a resilient and vibrant voluntary sector in the longer term.”
New CEO for Founders Pledge
Founders Pledge, which connects entrepreneurs with charities, has announced that one of its longtime members, and COO, Charlotte Monico, is succeeding founder David Goldberg as its next CEO.
Goldberg is transitioning into a strategic founder and president role after 11 years as CEO.
Monico previously worked at the likes of Boston Consulting Group and Google prior to working full-time in philanthropy. She first became involved with Founders Pledge after exiting from Cloudreach.
Teenage Cancer Trust CEO steps down
Teenage Cancer Trust has announced that Kate Collins will step down as chief executive at the end of January 2026, after eight years in the role and 16 years with the organisation.
Julie Worrall, the charity’s director of engagement, will act as interim chief executive. The board of trustees will announce plans for recruiting a permanent chief executive in due course.
Paul Spanswick, chair of the board of trustees, said: “Kate's contribution to Teenage Cancer Trust over 16 years has been exceptional. Her vision, determination, energy, and compassion have shaped what we do today.
“She leaves the organisation in a strong position - financially secure, strategically clear, and ready for our next evolution. We're enormously grateful for all she's built.”
New CEO for Good Things Foundation
Digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, has announced the appointment of Vicki Sellick as chief executive designate.
Sellick joins Good Things Foundation from St John Ambulance. Prior to this, she was chief partnership officer at innovation foundation Nesta, where she ran programmes tackling inequalities and exclusion.
She will succeed founder Helen Milner, who will retire in March after 15 years of leadership.
Sellick said of her appointment: “It is an honour to join Good Things Foundation, an organisation that has fundamentally changed the landscape of digital inclusion in the UK.
“The mission could not be more urgent - millions still live in data poverty, and whilst AI advances at pace there’s a risk the most excluded are only further left behind.”
First CEO appointed at 1001 Critical Days
The 1001 Critical Days Foundation has appointed former government minister Will Quince as its first-ever chief executive.
Founded in March 2025 by Dame Andrea Leadsom, the foundation works to improve support for babies and their families during the first 1001 days, from pregnancy to age two.
Quince is a former government minister for Children and Families, and for Health and Social Care and helped to develop the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme.
Leadsom, who serves as executive chair and founder of the foundation, said: “This appointment is an incredibly exciting milestone in our journey. Will brings the leadership, compassion and drive to help us deliver our mission: that every baby should experience the best start in life, both here in the UK and globally.
“Together we will champion the first 1001 days of life as a critical foundation for lifelong health and happiness, supporting babies and families in the UK and around the world.”
Walk the Walk CEO steps down
After three decades at the helm of breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk, founder and CEO Nina Barough has announced that she will be stepping down.
Barough will continue to be involved in Walk the Walk, which runs the MoonWalk fundraising event, in a trustee capacity.
Barough said of her decision: “There is never a good time to go. The past five years, following the pandemic, have been incredibly challenging for all charities, and stepping down during that time would not have been the right thing to do.
“Who knew that a one-off fundraising event in 1996 would consume the next 30 years of my life? I am so proud of all that Walk the Walk has achieved and deeply grateful to every supporter and fundraiser who has said YES to Walking the Walk and believing in our mission.”
The charity is currently recruiting for Barough’s successor.
New CEO at Kids for Kids
Kids for Kids, the UK-based charity providing both emergency and sustainable projects to remote villages in North Darfur, has announced the appointment of Andrew Caudell as its new chief executive officer.
Caudell succeeds the Kids for Kids’ founder, Patricia Parker, who will continue to serve as chairman of trustees and programme director for Darfur, Sudan.
Caudell has over 25 years of senior leadership experience from the commercial and charitable sectors.
He said: “I am honoured to be appointed CEO of Kids for Kids at such a pivotal time.
“I look forward to working with our dedicated team, volunteers and supporters to continue and expand the charity’s vital work in Darfur, ensuring that children in Darfur are not forgotten during this brutal crisis.”
Orbis International appoints CEO and president
Global eye care charity, Orbis International, has appointed Kathleen Sherwin as its new president and CEO.
Sherwin brings more than 25 years of experience advancing health equity, gender equality and sustainable development across the not-for-profit and humanitarian sectors; most recently, she served as chief strategy and engagement officer at Plan International.
She previously held roles at Women Deliver as interim president and CEO, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
John Slattery, chair of the board of directors for Orbis International, said: “Kathleen’s passion for meaningful change and her unwavering commitment to equity and access strongly resonate with Orbis’s mission to eradicate curable blindness globally.
“We are thrilled to welcome her as CEO and look forward to the impact she will help Orbis achieve for communities around the world.”
Town and Country Planning Association CEO to step down
The Town and Country Planning Association has announced that its chief executive, Fiona Howie, will leave the organisation in the spring of 2026 after seven years in the role.
Howie said: “It has been an honour to have led the association for the last seven years and all that the brilliantly talented staff team have achieved during that time. I am clear that planning can be transformational.
“That’s why I am so proud of our work, including projects that have supported and empowered communities to play an active role in the future of their area and our campaign to embed health and wellbeing in plan making.
“My deep thanks go to colleagues, trustees, funders and the wider membership for their support.”
The recruitment process for a new chief executive is now underway.
New CEO for the Nightingale
The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre has appointed Meral Nugent as its new CEO.
Nugent joins the Nightingale from HCA Healthcare, where she was director of corporate affairs. Prior to this, she served as head of global communications at Advanz Pharma.
Having previously volunteered with the Nightingale in 2024, going on to Nugent also previously volunteered with the Nightingale in 2024 and went on to become the office manager.
Nugent said: “I am incredibly thrilled to be joining the Nightingale as the new CEO, it is truly a privilege and honour.
“During my time working here previously, I have come to love The Nightingale and the amazing work it does in the community.”
Ormiston Families announces CEO
Bruce Leeke has been appointed as the new CEO of Ormiston Families, which supports children and families across the east of England.
Leeke will take over the role in February. The charity’s previous chief executive, Allan Myatt, retired in summer 2025.
Leek’s previous role was as chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, which he took over in early 2018.
“I am delighted to be joining such a highly regarded and impactful charity,” said Leek.
“Ormiston Families supports and enables families and young people across the East of England. The diversity and scale of the charity’s services ensure that every year we are positively shaping and changing thousands of lives.”
Victim Support Scotland welcomes interim CEO
Victim Support Scotland (VSS), which supports victims of crime in Scotland, has appointed Debbie Adams as interim chief executive.
Adams was previously director of development and external affairs at VSS, and takes over from Kate Wallace, who stepped down in November after eight years at the head of the organisation.
Adams joined the charity in August 2024 after more than 15 years in senior management roles in the charity and private sectors. Prior to VSS, Adams held director roles in the Conservation Volunteers and Children First. She is currently also a trustee for SCVO.
New chair for Royal Parks charity
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has appointed Linda Yueh as the new chair of the Royal Parks charity. Yueh has been appointed on a term of four years, starting on 1 March 2026.
Loyd Grossman is the current chair of the Royal Parks. His term comes to an end on 28 February 2026.
Yueh was previously executive chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society and a board member of London & Partners, London’s growth agency, including during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Seescape welcomes chair
Scottish sight loss charity, Seescape, has welcomed Bill Buchan as the new chair of its board of trustees.
Buchan takes over from Kirsty McIntosh, who has supported the charity as a trustee and chair for the past six years.
Buchan joined the Seescape board last summer and will be supported by Iain Stewart as a vice chair.
Buchan is also vice chair of the charity Working Rite and chair of the Children’s Panel. He has held senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group, Sainsbury’s Bank, SSE, and Phoenix Group.
Big Issue Invest appoints chair
Big Issue Invest has announced the appointment of Jenny Knott as its new chair.
Knott joins the Big Issue Group’s social investment arm with senior leadership experience, including as CEO of Standard Bank from 2010 to 2015. She has also held a number of non-executive director roles at organisations including the British Business Bank, Simplyhealth and Camco.
She replaces outgoing chair Mark Porter, who departs after two years.
Knott said: “I’m delighted to be joining Big Issue Invest as its new chair. At a time when social inequality remains stubbornly high, I’ve been impressed by the range of innovative social businesses being backed by Big Issue Invest.
“It has a proven track record of unlocking life-changing opportunities at scale and demonstrating social impact doesn’t need to come at the expense of financial return.”
New chair for the Scottish Fundraising Adjudication Panel
The Independent Fundraising Standards & Adjudication Panel for Scotland has announced the appointment of Yvonne Evans as its new chair leading the panel in overseeing fundraising standards.
At the start of this month, Evans took over the position from co-chairs Morna Black and Stephen Shirres, who stepped down after two years leading the panel.
Evans joined the panel in 2022 and was appointed to the role of vice chair in April 2024.
Evans is also a senior lecturer in law at the University of Dundee. Prior to joining academia, Evans practised as a solicitor and specialises in Scots trusts, succession and tax law.
Mind announces executive director of income generation
Mental health charity Mind has appointed Emma Ackerman to the role of executive director of income generation.
Ackerman has worked across the charity sector both in the UK and US, leading significant income growth, partnerships and organisation-wide change, combining direct experience of delivering mental health programmes with senior executive leadership.
Most recently, she served as chief of staff at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Before moving to the US, she was strategy director at The National Lottery Community Fund, where she led a strategic review and the UK funding portfolio.
British Heart Foundation appoints chief commercial officer
British Heart Foundation has appointed Allison Swaine-Hughes as chief commercial officer to lead its retail and commercial operations.
Swaine-Hughes has served as BHF’s retail director since 2018 and takes on responsibility for BHF’s 680 shops, e-commerce platforms, and wider commercial ventures following the retirement of previous CCO Mike Taylor in December 2025.
She said: “I’m proud to lead BHF’s commercial operations.
“My focus will be on building resilience, embracing innovation, and ensuring our activities reflect our values – from sustainability to inclusivity – while driving income to fund lifesaving research across all our commercial ventures.
New chief information officer for Community Integrated Care
Community Integrated Care, one of the UK's largest social care charities, has announced the appointment of Gerard McGovern as its chief information officer (CIO).
McGovern joins the organisation with experience leading digital transformation and innovation, including roles at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where he oversaw technology, data and AI, and senior leadership roles at Guide Dogs for the Blind and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Reflecting on his appointment, McGovern said: “I’ve always been motivated by work that has real meaning and being part of an organisation that improves lives is incredibly fulfilling.
“This role gives me the chance to use my skills and experience to remove friction, simplify processes, and give our teams more time and capacity to deliver outstanding care.”
New director of volunteering support at St John Ambulance
Chris Reed has been appointed as the new director for volunteering support at St John Ambulance.
Reed joins the charity from the Scouts, where he recently served as interim executive director of operations, leading on volunteer engagement and transformation.
Over his 20-year career, Reed has held senior leadership roles at charities including Barnardo’s and the British Red Cross. He also previously worked at St John Ambulance as head of volunteering from 2010 to 2014.
Reed said: “I am delighted to be returning to St John and bringing everything I have learnt from the past decade leading volunteer transformation in some of the UK’s largest charities.”
ShelterBox announces director of fundraising and communications
International disaster relief charity ShelterBox has welcomed Fee Gilfeather as its new director of fundraising and communications.
Gilfeather will lead efforts to raise funds and awareness of the charity’s work supporting people uprooted from their homes by disaster or conflict with emergency shelter and other essential items.
She brings more than 18 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, including senior roles at Oxfam GB, where she led mass engagement and fundraising campaigns. Her experience spans fundraising strategy, brand development, partnerships, and integrated communications.
Gilfeather said: “I’m excited to join the team at ShelterBox and help drive its mission to ensure no one is left without shelter after disaster.
“The need for emergency shelter is significant, and I’m passionate about connecting supporters with the incredible impact they can make.”
New regional director for Paperweight Trust
The Paperweight Trust, an advice and crisis-support charity for the Jewish community, has appointed Hannah Gerson as its new regional director.
Gerson joins the Paperweight Trust following her role as social responsibility manager at the United Synagogue, where she led social responsibility strategy across multiple communities and delivered programmes supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
She said of her new role: “I am delighted to join the Paperweight Trust at such an important moment in its growth.
“Paperweight’s commitment to practical, compassionate support is something I deeply believe in and I’m looking forward to working closely with partners, volunteers and the wider Manchester Jewish community to build on the organisation’s vital work.”
New executive director for Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK has announced the appointment of Julie Child as its new executive director.
Child brings more than 20 years of experience in the charity sector, with a career focused on small patient support and research organisations.
She said of her new role: “I am delighted to be joining Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK at such an important time for the charity.”
Birmingham Museums Trust announces chair of finance and risk committee
Birmingham Museums Trust has announced the appointment of Deborah Spence as a trustee and the new chair of its finance and risk committee.
Spence qualified as a chartered accountant over 30 years ago and is founder and chief executive of DJS Consulting Solutions Limited. Previously, she has worked as an adviser in private equity for a Big Four accounting and consulting firm.
She succeeds Clive Bawden who has been chair of the finance and risk committee since 2020.
Spence said of her appointment: “I’m delighted to be joining Birmingham Museums Trust as a trustee and chair of the finance and risk committee.
“Birmingham’s museums are important centres of culture and heritage and this is an exciting time for the trust, with the continued phased reopening of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the recent launch of the Your Museums, Your Move fundraising campaign.”
National Youth Agency gains trustee
The National Youth Agency has announced the appointment of Lisa Harris as a trustee and chair of the education training and standards committee.
Harris has more than 20 years of experience in the higher education sector, spanning quality assurance, assessment policy, curriculum development, online education, and academic governance.
She currently serves as head of strategic planning at the Open University, where she leads on risk management, institutional performance, and strategic implementation.
New trustee for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK
Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, which supports the families of children in hospital, has announced the appointment of Claire Rowney as a trustee.
Rowney currently serves as chief executive of Breast Cancer Now. Rowney has previously worked at organisations including Macmillan Cancer Support, Save the Children UK and Cancer Research UK.
She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as a trustee of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. The work that the charity does to support families with seriously ill children is truly humbling and I’m honoured to be selected to sit on the board.
“I am excited to get started, to learn more about the charity and the vital work that they do, and to contribute as effectively as I can.”
