Mental Health Foundation CEO to step down
The Mental Health Foundation has announced that chief executive Mark Rowland will step down in September.
Rowland, who has led the charity since 2018, said: “It has been an honour to work alongside such committed colleagues, partners and funders to champion prevention and improve mental health across the UK.”
His work included overseeing a UK Covid 19 mental health study and community project investment.
Aisha Sheikh Anene, chair of trustees, thanked him for his contribution and announced recruitment for a successor would begin shortly.
UnitedGMH chief to leave charity
United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH) has announced that co-founder and chief executive Sarah Kline will step down later this year.
During her eight-year tenure, Kline worked in supporting suicide decriminalisation efforts in Pakistan, Kenya and Ghana, and embedding progressive mental health commitments in international agreements.
Graham Thornicroft, chair, thanked Kline for her “outstanding contributions” and confirmed recruitment for a replacement will begin shortly.
Medical Research Foundation boss to step down after 20 years
The Medical Research Foundation has announced that its chief executive Angela Hind will step down in November.
Hind, the organisation’s first employee, has overseen its transformation from a collection of charitable funds into an independent medical research funder.
She said: “The foundation is in a strong, stable position, with a clear mission, excellent people and solid foundations for the future.
“This creates the best possible environment for new leadership to come in and thrive.”
Mencap appoints executive director of fundraising
Learning disability charity Mencap has appointed Mohini Raichura Brown as its executive director of fundraising.
Raichura Brown most recently served as interim director of fundraising at the British Asian Trust and will take up her Mencap role in June.
Mencap chief executive Jon Sparkes said she brings a strong track record in fundraising, strategic partnerships and values-led leadership.
Chief strategy officer joins Wellcome
Charitable foundation Wellcome has appointed Natasha Sunderji as its chief strategy officer.
Sunderji will take up the role in May and joins after two decades at Accenture, where she led its global health and nutrition practice.
She also advised organisations across sectors on long-term strategy and impact.
Wellcome chief executive John Arne Røttingen said she brings “outstanding global health experience”.
Humane World for Animals UK appoints comms director
Animal protection charity Humane World for Animals UK has appointed Ed Fox as its media and communications director.
Fox previously held senior roles at Canal & River Trust and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
He aims to strengthen the charity’s brand and increase the impact of its advocacy, public affairs and fundraising work.
Fox said: “I’m excited to be joining Humane World for Animals and being part of a team that’s making such a positive impact in the UK and around the world.”
Mesothelioma UK appoints community fundraising assistant
Asbestos-related cancer charity Mesothelioma UK has appointed Rachel Hunter as its community fundraising assistant.
Hunter joins after a 30-year career teaching history in secondary schools.
Her role includes stewarding community fundraisers including for local and national events such as the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
On taking up the charity role, Hunter said: “I wanted to take on a new challenge where I could utilise some of the skills picked up whilst teaching and focus on doing something to make a difference.”
Fair Education Alliance appoints chair
The Fair Education Alliance has appointed Big Education CEO Liz Robinson as its chair.
Robinson has more than 20 years’ experience in the education and charity sectors, including work on school innovation.
Chief executive Gina Cicerone said: “We are delighted to welcome Liz as chair and look forward to working together with our members and partners to build momentum for change.”
Cicerone thanked outgoing chair Vanessa Ogden for her seven years of leadership.
Former professional footballer becomes Mind chair
Mental health charity Mind has appointed former premier league footballer and mental health campaigner Clarke Carlisle as its chair.
Carlisle has held senior roles at Betknowmore UK and the Professional Footballers’ Association.
He succeeds Stevie Spring, who is stepping down after eight years in the role.
Carlisle said: "To be appointed chair of Mind is, without exception, the single greatest moment of my professional life.
“I am both humbled and blessed to be given this opportunity to serve this wonderful organisation.”
HELP Appeal appoints trustee
The County Air Ambulance Trust HELP Appeal has appointed Meera Naran as a trustee.
Naran has experience in national campaigning and policy change, including securing government commitments on road safety following the death of her eight-year-old son Dev in a motorway crash.
“It is an honour to work with a charity that is strengthening critical care infrastructure across the UK,” she said.
Tomorrow’s Warriors appoints new trustee
Music development charity Tomorrow’s Warriors has appointed Marcia Willis Stewart as a trustee on its 35th anniversary.
Willis Stewart has experience in public law and social justice, having represented families and communities in major inquests, inquiries and legal cases.
She said she was honoured to support the charity’s mission to create access, opportunity and change within the music industry.
RNIB appoints president
Sight loss charity RNIB has appointed actor Victoria Smurfit as its president to replace Gail Ronson, who departs after 14 years.
Smurfit, whose daughter has Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, said she was honoured to take up the position and committed to helping drive change for blind and partially sighted people.
Ronson will continue as RNIB’s honorary president.
Youth Council UK elects first executive board
Youth Council UK (YCUK) has elected its first executive board to bring together 19 young people representing members across the UK, crown dependencies and overseas territories.
The launch of YCUK follows the closure of the British Youth Council, with its board drawn from the organisation’s 200-strong membership network of people aged 16–25.
Chair Ashrita Kalia said the board would ensure Youth Council UK is inclusive and action-focused.
