Mermaids appoints interim CEO
Trans youth support charity Mermaids has announced that its former chair Kathryn Downs is assuming the role of interim CEO after her predecessor Lauren Stoner left the same role on 5 September.
Stoner had led Mermaids, initially on an interim basis, since 2022 and had steered the charity through a period in which it was subject to a Charity Commission inquiry that concluded poor governance there had amounted to “mismanagement”.
“We are deeply grateful for Lauren’s expertise, hard work and dedication during that challenging period, and we wish her the very best for the future,” Mermaids said in a statement.
Recruitment for a new permanent CEO is “well underway”, the charity said, adding that trustee Hardeep Aiden had been appointed as Mermaids’ new chair.
Paula Puxty, currently chief finance officer at the Rochester Bridge Trust, is also joining the charity as chief operating officer from October.
PSP Association recruits CEO
Rare disease charity the PSP Association has appointed James Cusack to its chief executive role.
The organisation, which supports people affected by the neurodegenerative conditions progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration, said Cusack would be taking up the position from December 2025.
He moves from autism research charity Autistica, where he has served five years as CEO and was previously director of science, and succeeds Rebecca Packwood who has been in post since 2021.
“I feel incredibly proud to be joining such a brilliant and well-run organisation,” Cusack said.
“Together, I believe we’re in a strong position to continue delivering high-quality support today and hope through groundbreaking research and powerful campaigning tomorrow.”
Police Care acting CEO appointed to substantive role
Police Care UK, which supports officers harmed during their duties, has confirmed its acting CEO Geoff Cheshire will be assuming the permanent role.
Cheshire, who served with Merseyside Police for 30 years, joined Police Care UK in February 2025 as chief operating officer before stepping up to become acting CEO. He had previously held senior posts with the British Red Cross.
“His significant first-hand experience of policing, experience of senior leadership in charities and commitment to helping those exposed to harm through service is the ideal combination to support growth of the organisation,” said Police Care UK’s chair, Derek Ray-Hill.
Cheshire said: “The charity is evolving to ensure we consistently meet the needs of those who come to us for help.
“As an ex-police officer I care deeply about the health and wellbeing of all those who serve, and of those who have had to leave as a result of injury or illness caused by their work.”
Arts Emergency to share chief executive duties
Arts Emergency has promoted its director of fundraising and marketing Lucy Newton to serve as co-CEO alongside founder Neil Griffiths.
The charity, which provides an “alternative old boys’ network” to help people who have not come from privileged backgrounds get a leg-up into arts careers, said Newton had spearheaded a 250% growth in annual revenue.
“To share the overall leadership of our organisation and movement with such an inspiring young leader is a privilege and a natural next step as our cause continues to evolve,” said Griffiths.
Newton added: “I’m deeply grateful to step into this role alongside Neil, whose vision has inspired Arts Emergency from day one.
“This movement is beautiful, generative and a beacon of hope during trying times for the creative sector.”
New chair of trustees at Solace
Domestic abuse charity Solace Women’s Aid has announced Abigail Ampofo, currently the interim CEO of youth mental health charity YoungMinds, as its new chair of trustees.
Solace, which has faced the threat of industrial action this year over redundancy plans and a decision not to recognise the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, said it was “delighted” to welcome Ampofo.
“Her depth of experience leading frontline services and advocating for those facing disadvantage will be invaluable as we continue our mission to end violence against women and girls,” said Solace CEO Nahar Choudhury.
Ampofo said she was “honoured” to take up the new role.
“Solace plays a vital role supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from abuse, and I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, volunteers and partners to continue strengthening this essential mission,” she said.
Young Women’s Trust chief executive stepping down
Young Women’s Trust CEO Claire Reindorp has announced she will be leaving the charity in spring 2026 after almost four years in the role.
The charity said she would remain in her role during the process of recruiting for a successor, which trustees have begun, and then take a career break.
“It’s been a very difficult decision to leave a charity that is so close to my heart,“ Reindorp said.
“I have every confidence that the fantastic staff, talented young campaigners, peer researchers and ambassadors and thousands of supporters will continue the push for much needed change.”
The trust’s chair Emma Norris thanked Reindorp for her “truly transformational” impact during her time in charge.
New chair, trustees and senior leaders at Tomorrow’s Warriors
Jazz music education and artist development charity Tomorrow’s Warriors has announced a new chair and trustees alongside senior leadership appointments.
The Black-founded and Black-led organisation said Tove Okunniwa will take over as chair from Viv Broughton, who stays on as a trustee, while Gloria Fagbemiro and Jez Nelson are also joining the board.
Meanwhile Sian Lord-Baptiste has been appointed chief operating officer, following a 10-year stint as chief of organisational effectiveness at Africa-rooted girls’ liberation charity Purposeful.
Erin Barnes, previously Purposeful’s communications lead, also joins Tomorrow’s Warriors as head of learning, outreach and development.
Janine Irons, Tomorrow’s Warriors’ co-Founder and CEO, said the appointments “mark the beginning of an exciting new era” at the charity.
“With such a dynamic, visionary, and diverse team at the helm, we are poised to grow our impact, deepen our legacy, and continue breaking down barriers for the next generation of artists and leaders,” she said.
CIOF takes on five trustees
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) has announced the appointment of five new trustees to its board, plus a young fundraiser trustee apprentice whom the board will mentor.
The new trustees are Naomi Abrahams (general manager clients and business development, Zen Fundraising), Jayne George (chief fundraising and communications officer, RNLI), Dan Knowles (CEO, Brain Tumour Research), Jonathan Levy (founder, Neurodiverse Fundraisers) and Kelly Maklowicz (director of supporter fundraising, RSPB).
Annabelle Fozard, a research officer with the Royal Ballet and Opera, takes up the apprentice role.
CIOF chief executive Katie Docherty welcomed the “strong cohort” and in particular Fozard and and another apprentice, Jaswant Sodhi, who joined in early 2025.
Patient support charity DEBRA appoints chair
DEBRA, which supports people affected by the genetic skin blistering condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB), has appointed a new chair of trustees.
Board member Carly Fields takes on the role from Jim Irvine, the current chair of six years.
Fields, an editor with the Journal of Commerce, has been involved with the charity since 2014, when her daughter was diagnosed with EB.
She is also a committee member at the British Association of Dermatologists and a member of the NHS Genomics Ethics, Equity and Legal Advisory Group.
“It is a privilege to be able to lead DEBRA as chair of trustees,” she said.
“We need to make bold moves and be ambitious to secure effective drug treatments, to strengthen our community, and to be an advocate for everyone with EB.”
Five new trustees for Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation has appointed five new trustees – Sami Gichki, Dr Anna Zecharia, Ayodeji Ogunyemi, Tom Mursell, and Lizzie Lockett – to its board.
The charity said the new trustees will bring a diverse range of skills and experiences across public policy, health, inclusion, finance and communications, as well as having lived experience of mental health challenges.
“We are thrilled to welcome these five exceptional individuals to our board,” said Aisha Sheik-Anene, the Mental Health Foundation’s chair.
“Their collective expertise and passion will help us deepen our impact, strengthen our governance, and ensure our work continues to be inclusive, evidence-based, and focused on prevention.”
Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter appoints chair
Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, established in 1896, has appointed Richard Kirk as its chair.
Kirk previousle chaired the Children’s Heart Unit Fund and is currently chair of the Tyne Rivers Trust.
He has replaced Andrea, Lady Wylie, who chaired the charity since 2022 as part of an eight-year stint on its board.
Lady Wylie said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to hand over the reins to Richard. With his rich experience in the charitable sector, I know the shelter is in safe hands.”
