National charity Home-Start UK appoints new chief executive

Rob joins Home-Start UK from Action Homeless, where he has been has been chief executive since 2008.He comments: “I am very impressed by Home-Start UK’s work and that of the entire Home-Start network, so I’m excited to be joining the charity, especially in such a landmark year.”

In addition to his background working within communities most affected by poverty and disadvantage, Rob [pictured left] spent several years at a national children’s charity where he became interested in early years’ development and family support – the focus of Home-Start UK’s work. He continues: “My experience has shown me that families need Home-Start just as much today as they did when it was founded 40 years ago. I’m looking forward to getting to know the organisation and working with my new colleagues to ensure that Home-Start helps ever more families to give their children the best start in life”.

Welcoming the new chief executive, Home-Start UK trustee James Sainsbury OBE says: “We are very grateful for Kay’s many years of service to Home-Start UK and the local Home-Start network. During her time with Home-Start Kay has made an immeasurable contribution to our work and we wish her well for the future.

"Home-Start UK staff and trustees are delighted to welcome Rob and excited to begin working together, especially at this time when our role helping vulnerable families is growing ever more important. While we have achieved a great deal in the past 40 years, there remains much to do to achieve our vision of a society in which parents have all the support they need to give children a good home start.”

Outgoing chief executive Kay Bews adds: “It is a huge wrench for me to leave Home-Start UK after so many wonderful years here. However I’m confident that Rob will lead the charity to a bright future, ensuring it thrives and meets the growing needs of families.”