Refugee Council CEO joins Nacro
Enver Solomon will join social justice charity Nacro in March 2026 from the Refugee Council where he has been chief executive since November 2020.
Nacro was previously led by Campbell Robb, who recently moved on to run the Canal and River Trust after six years.
Refugee Council is in the process of recruiting an interim chief executive to be in place by early January, with recruitment of a permanent CEO to begin shortly.
On his new role, Solomon said: “I am delighted to be joining an organisation which not only provides vital services to tens of thousands of people at critical points in their lives but also puts the people it supports at the heart of their work and campaigning.”
Clinks CEO to stand down after 10 years
After 10 years leading criminal justice charity Clinks, Anne Fox is standing down.
Fox will leave the charity in March 2026, with the drive to recruit a new CEO underway.
She said: “It’s been the honour of my professional life to call myself Clinks CEO and I’m so grateful to everyone I’ve worked with in the role.”
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust appoints CEO
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) has appointed acting chief executive Nicola Purdy on a permanent basis.
Purdy has been acting CEO since December 2024 and was JRCT’s head of people and operations before that.
Before joining the charity, she held roles at Quakers in Britain and Save the Children International.
“My focus will be on helping every part of JRCT reach its potential, ensuring we continue to best stand alongside those tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time,” she said.
“I’m committed to making sure JRCT remains a catalyst for positive social change; funding and supporting work that drives systemic change with integrity, courage, and purpose.”
NW Hearts Charity hires CEO
NW Hearts Charity has appointed James White as its chief executive.
White, who previously worked for other charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Guide Dogs, succeeds Sue Martin, who has retired from her role as CEO and joined the charity’s board of trustees.
“I am proud and delighted to join NW Hearts Charity as chief executive,” said White.
“Having grown up in Greater Manchester, and as a heart attack survivor myself, I’m raring to go – this is a vital charity doing really important work, with the potential to do even more.”
IEA changes director general
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has appointed former government Brexit negotiator and recent Conservative peer David Frost as its director general.
Lord Frost, who will remain as a non-affiliated member of the House of Lords, takes over from Tom Clougherty, who left last month.
He said: “The IEA is an educational charity and does not engage in party politics. Accordingly, I will no longer take the Conservative whip in the Lords. I will continue to contribute there as a non-affiliated peer. I will not be joining any other party.
“I look forward to having even greater freedom to say what I think and (to adopt the famous phrase of FA Hayek) to argue ever more strongly against the socialists of all parties.”
National Pro Bono Centre appoints CEO and trustee
The National Pro Bono Centre (NPBC) has announced Esther McConnell as its new chief executive, effective early in the New Year, and Sarah Oliver Scemla as trustee.
McConnell, who has over 15 years of experience in charity management, succeeds Mary Dobson Smith, who has served as executive director for 18 months.
Oliver Scemla is a dual-qualified solicitor in England & Wales and France and also a founding member of the In House Pro Bono Group’s steering committee.
Chair Robin Knowles said: “Esther’s expertise and leadership will strengthen a sector already making a vital difference, while Sarah’s extensive pro bono experience and in-house perspective will help us broaden collaboration and innovation across the profession.”
New CEO for Church Mission Society
Andy Roberts has been commissioned as the new chief executive of Church Mission Society (CMS) and has pledged to be a disturber for Jesus.
A former CMS mission partner and founder of the Brazilian children’s charity ReVive International, Roberts has served as CMS director of mission since 2021. He succeeds Alastair Bateman as CEO.
He said: “I’ve listened to staff, volunteers, church leaders and community partners across our network. I’ve heard stories of lives transformed, faith restored and hope renewed through our shared mission.”
Aziz Foundation recruits director
The Aziz Foundation has appointed Joe Dobson as its new director.
Dobson recently served as head of funding at the National Lottery Community Fund, where he oversaw grantmaking programmes as a member of its England leadership team.
He previously held roles at the Children’s Society and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, as well as service with North Yorkshire Police.
Dobson said: “Over the past 10 years, the foundation has created opportunities for British Muslims and other underrepresented communities, fostering inclusion and inspiring social mobility.
“I am excited to build on this legacy – strengthening our programmes, expanding our partnerships, and ensuring that our scholars and communities continue to thrive, lead, and shape a more equitable society.”
War Child UK appoints chair
War Child UK has appointed Mel Exon as its chair, succeeding John Fallon, who is stepping down after more than five years in the role.
Exon is the former managing director of Bartle Bogle Hegarty group CEO of Sunshine working as a writer, board adviser, and non-executive director.
“My goal as chair is to champion the charity’s mission – to protect, educate, and stand up for children whose lives have been torn apart by conflict – as we steer War Child UK’s next phase of growth, supporting the organisation’s vital, evidence-based programmes,” she said.
Global 50/50 appoints chair
Gender equality charity Global 50/50 has appointed Tiantian Chen as its chair.
Chen began as a researcher for the organisation on its first Global Health 50/50 report in 2017.
Chen said: “As we expand into law, justice and finance, my priority is to protect our independence, strengthen our global partnerships, and ensure our evidence continues to drive real change in people’s lives.”
Chair recruited at National Holocaust Museum
Adam Dawson has been appointed chair of trustees at the National Holocaust Museum.
As a result, Dawson will be stepping down from the Jewish Care trustee board, following nearly seven years of service, including five years as chair of mental health charity Jami before its merger with the charity.
Dawson said: “While the job is never truly done, I feel now is the right time to step away and welcome new voices and ideas to the Jewish Care and Jami table.”
Rowan Alba appoints chair
Rowan Alba, the Edinburgh-based charity that tackles homelessness, has appointed a new chair.
Calum Wilson, a former energy industry expert, has stepped up from his role on the board, where he has been a trustee for more than two years.
He succeeds co-chairs Dawn Dickson and Peter Freer, who have stepped down after more than four years.
Wilson said: “Homelessness is a major issue for modern society as a whole and the more that Rowan Alba can do to tackle this problem in Edinburgh the better for everyone.”
New chair of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation
Adrian Lismore has been appointed as the new chair of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation (CSF), the charitable arm of Commonwealth Sport.
Lismore, who has been a trustee of the foundation for the past 18 months, is vice president and chair of the finance, legal, and administration commission at the Global Esports Federation.
He said: “With the support of my fellow trustees, including outgoing chair Jeya Wilson, our focus will be to build on the momentum of the incredible Games that Glasgow 2026 will deliver.”
New director of fundraising and comms for Barts Charity
Barts Charity has appointed Jay Longworth as its director of fundraising and communications.
Longworth joins the east London healthcare charity from Murray Edwards College at the University of Cambridge, where she achieved record fundraising results, increasing annual income fivefold.
She previously held senior roles at Imperial College London, the University of Melbourne and World Vision Australia.
“I’m excited to work with an incredibly talented team and to build on the strong foundations already in place,” she said.
“There’s huge potential to grow awareness of the charity’s work and to connect more people to the difference it makes every day.”
Mind’s executive director of fundraising departs
Mind has announced the departure of Kathleen Miles, after 24 years as its executive director of fundraising.
During her tenure, she has helped the mental health charity to raise over £800m and grow its annual fundraising portfolio to £36m.
Miles said: “Mind will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish everyone continued success in the vital work ahead.”
Macmillan appoints chief technology and data officer
Macmillan Cancer Support has appointed Rasha ElKhalili as its chief technology and data officer.
ElKhalili has led large-scale digital and IT transformations in organisations including Spire Healthcare, Tesco and ODEON Cinema Group.
She said: “I want to make technology and data a true enabler for everyone at Macmillan, building a data-curious culture where teams are empowered to use insights to make better decisions every day.
“It’s about ensuring everything we do, from fundraising to supporting people, is connected, seamless, and impactful.”
New director of devolved nations joins Carers UK
Kirsten Hogg has joined as the new director of devolved nations at Carers UK, where she will be responsible for leading the charity across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales through Carers Scotland, Carers NI and Carers Wales.
Hogg is former head of policy and research at umbrella body the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
She said: “It is a privilege to join such an influential organisation, and to lend my support to their vital work campaigning for change.
“Having worked in a range of care and support charities across my career, the vital role of unpaid carers has always been very clear to me, and I look forward to becoming part of the ecosystems supporting carers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.”
Brainstrust appoints two new board members
Brainstrust, which supports people with brain tumours and their families, has appointed two trustees: Charlotte Davies and Mary Barrington-Ward.
Davies has a background in communications consultancy and executive coaching in the public sector and pharmaceutical industry.
Barrington-Ward is a senior communications consultant and strategist with experience in international and national healthcare communications across charities and agencies.
Chair Chris Baker said: “Their experience, insight and commitment to our mission will be invaluable as brainstrust builds on the record progress of this year.”
RNIB appoints two trustees
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has announced the appointment of two trustees: Anouschka Elliott and Andy Barry.
Elliott has held global head of marketing roles at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, UBS Asset Management, and the Royal Bank of Canada.
Barry, who joined RNIB in August 2025 as a trustee and chair of RNIB Enterprises, has held roles at PwC, Granada and Compass.
Anna Tylor, RNIB’s chair: “They bring an outstanding mix of strategic, commercial, and creative expertise, alongside a shared commitment to inclusion and innovation.”
Stonewall appoints four trustees
LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall has appointed four trustees: former Labour MP Ben Bradshaw, actor Jake Graf, lawyer Clare Fielding and senior banker Sean Latus.
The four appointments will join five other Stonewall trustees and Ayla Holdom, who is the charity’s interim chair while it recruits a permanent leader of the board.
Holdom said: “On behalf of my fellow trustees, and everyone at Stonewall, I am delighted that Ben, Jake, Clare and Sean will be joining the board.
“As we launch our new strategy – In courage and unity, is hope – the diverse expertise and experience, and important personal and professional perspectives that they will bring to our work will further underpin our commitment to represent everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.”
We The Curious appoints first patron
Bristol’s educational charity and science centre We The Curious has appointed Aardman Animations co-founder David Sproxton as its first-ever patron.
In his role, Sproxton may also provide guidance to the board of trustees, and act as an advocate for We The Curious, to inspire others to engage, volunteer or donate in support of the charity.
Sproxton said: “I’m delighted to be asked to be a Patron for We The Curious as I am passionate about giving young people experiences that may spark life-long interest.”
