Refugee Sanctuary Scotland appoints CEO
Ronald Tagwireyi, who is originally from Zimbabwe, has been named as the chief executive of Refugee Sanctuary Scotland (RSS), which operates in Glasgow and Edinburgh and is planning an expansion into Aberdeen.
Tagwireyi previously was chair of RSS, which has three permanent staff members and aims to provide practical help for refugees and asylum seekers who have been adversely affected by the asylum application process and are facing destitution and homelessness.
He was previously chair of the strategy committee of the Scottish Refugee Council and co-chair of Migration Exchange’s advisory group.
Tagwireyi first came to the UK on a Commonwealth visa to study in Leeds in 1991 and worked for BT in England until 2001 before becoming involved in volunteering. He now lives in Glasgow.
CEO of the NCT to depart
National Childbirth Trust (NCT) has announced that Angela McConville will be departing as chief executive to take up the role of executive director of the Galen & Hilary Weston Foundation.
McConville leaves after more than six and a half years leading the UK’s charity for pregnancy, parents and progress, having overseen a period of significant growth for the charity.
“Leading NCT has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” she said.
“Over the last six and a half years I've had the opportunity to meet pregnant women and new parents in communities right across the UK and see first-hand the difference that trusted information, local support and human connection can make during pregnancy and early parenthood.’’
The board has appointed Tope Medupin, NCT’s director of parent services, as acting chief executive from 2 October, whilst trustees undertake a full recruitment process for a permanent replacement.
Lisieux Trust appoints permanent CEO
Lisieux Trust has announced Emma Hodges as permanent chief executive.
Hodges has been acting as interim chief executive at the charity since early June and will now lead the organisation into the future.
“I am delighted and incredibly proud to have been appointed as permanent chief executive of Lisieux Trust. It has been a privilege to lead the charity over recent weeks and to work alongside such a committed team,” she said.
Coeliac UK CEO to depart
After seven years as chief executive, Hilary Croft will be leaving health charity Coeliac UK at the end of August to take up a new role as CEO of youth mental health charity Off the Record – Bath and North East Somerset.
Croft has led Coeliac UK for the past seven years, overseeing a period of growth and development for the charity and its wider community.
She said: “I’m deeply grateful for the support, kindness, and friendships I’ve experienced during my time at Coeliac UK, and proud of the ambition, resilience and commitment shown across the organisation and wider community.”
British Library hires senior director of development
The British Library has appointed Rachel Calderón as senior director of development.
Calderón joins the charity from Blood Cancer UK, where she was associate director of fundraising.
Prior to joining Blood Cancer UK, Calderón spent 10 years at King’s College London, where she held a range of senior fundraising roles.
Jeremy Silver, interim chief executive of the British Library, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachel Calderón to the British Library as senior director of development as we embark on new priorities that will help us ensure knowledge becomes possibility for future generations.”
Concern Worldwide appoints director of fundraising and development
International humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide (UK) has appointed Caroline Whatley as its director of fundraising and development.
Whatley joins Concern Worldwide (UK) from Save the Children UK, where she held senior leadership roles spanning corporate, major donors, trusts and foundations, high-value events and public fundraising.
“I am thrilled to be joining Concern Worldwide (UK), particularly at a time when the world’s poorest communities are facing growing humanitarian needs,” she said.
“I have been inspired by the ambition and warmth of everyone I’ve met so far, and I am looking forward to working with Concern’s partners, supporters and colleagues to help deliver lasting change for communities in the most fragile countries globally.”
The Fore chair to depart
After nearly five years in post, Mike Tye will shortly stand down as chair.
Tye joined the charity at the end of 2021, when the Fore was still part of the Bulldog Trust, to steer the organisation to standalone status and put in place the foundations for future success.
Speaking about his decision, Tye said: “I am sad to leave such a wonderful role and organisation, but I am clear that this is the right time for someone new to lead the board for the next phase of the Fore’s successful growth.”
A further announcement about the new chair’s appointment will be made in due course.
Church Urban Fund appoints chair and trustee
Church Urban Fund has appointed Chris Cummings as its chair and Jessica Foster as a trustee.
Cummings is a non-executive director of Vanguard Investments UK and replaces Sue Chalkley, who is standing down after seven years as a trustee and 18 months as chair.
Jessica Foster, an Anglican deacon who works as head of church engagement at Trussell, has been appointed as a trustee.
Barratt Redrow Foundation appoints chair
The Barratt Redrow Foundation has announced that John Hannaford will become the new chair of trustees. John, who brings more than 18 years of experience in the sector, succeeds Mark Rolfe, who has led the board since 2021.
Hannaford has worked both as an accountant and investment banker at Credit Suisse, and also served as a trustee for four charities.
“I am very much looking forward to joining the Barratt Redrow Foundation and working with a great team that is dedicated to creating thriving communities nationwide,” he said.
Stella Maris appoints chair
Maritime charity Stella Maris has appointed Robert Ashdown as its chair of trustees.
Ashdown, who previously served for nine years as a Stella Maris trustee, succeeds Esteban Pacha, who is stepping down after eight years as chair.
Before joining IACS, Ashdown served as secretary general of the Cruise Lines International Association in Brussels, and he has also worked for the UK Chamber of Shipping as head of its technical division.
“I am honoured to return to Stella Maris as chair,” she said.
“Having previously served on the board, I know the charity, its mission and the dedication of its chaplains, volunteers and staff.’’
Tree Aid announces chair and trustees
Tree Aid has announced conservationist and author Jane Madgwick as its chair, alongside four new trustees.
Madgwick succeeds Elizabeth Davis, who has served on the Tree Aid board since 2018, and as chair for the last two years.
Maura Barry Boyle, who has held senior leadership roles at USAID, Sloop Impact Advisory founder Mehdi Mahjour, financial consultant Ian Robinson and Bridges Outcomes Partnerships executive director Amit Shah have all been appointed as trustees.
BBC Children in Need announces trustees
BBC Children in Need has appointed Zahra Hedges and Jane Holbrook as Trustees.
Hedges works as an independent consultant and executive interim, alongside undertaking an executive interdisciplinary MBA and a ministerial appointment to the board of Skills Development Scotland.
Holbrook is chair designate of Housing 21, a provider of housing and care for older people, and serves as senior independent director at Busy Bees.
James Fairclough, chair of BBC Children in Need, said: “Together they bring extensive leadership and governance experience and a commitment to public service, which will further strengthen our board.”
Young Foundation appoints six trustees
The Young Foundation has appointed six trustees:
- Andrew Puddephatt, chair of Internet Matters.
- Claire Dhami, head of systems change and inclusion at West Midlands Combined Authority.
- Joanna Choukeir, deputy director for creative industries at Innovate UK.
- Nikos Adamidis, head of policy and impacts at National Highways.
- Peter O’Brien, executive director and company secretary of Yorkshire Universities.
- Sarah Chaytor, joint chief of staff for UCL Research, Innovation and Global Engagement.
Sue Griffiths, CEO of the Young Foundation, said: “Together, they bring an exceptional breadth of experience across policy, research, design, systems leadership, higher education, and social innovation.”
Almhouse Association names ambassador
The Almhouse Association has announced that actor Hugh Bonneville, currently a vice patron of the charity, has agreed to become an ambassador.
As ambassador, Bonneville will help champion the role that almshouses play in providing secure, affordable, and community-focused homes.
“Almshouses represent the best of our nation’s qualities, looking after neighbours in need,” Bonneville said.
“I am honoured to be a part of highlighting the work of the Almshouse Association, which is more essential now than ever before.”
