Pro Bono Economics research, policy and communications director Nicole Sykes has been appointed to the same role at Lloyds Bank Foundation.

She leaves the charity focused think tank after four years and her priorities at the funder include liaising with politicians and charities to tackle barriers that civil society faces, particularly challenges faced by small charities.

“I've had the privilege of spending the past few years learning and experiencing the strengths and challenges of the charity sector, and its enormous potential,” said Sykes.

“This role is an opportunity to put that experience at the service of the sector and the people it helps in a new and bigger way, to make a greater impact through the Foundation's approach of funding, development and influencing.

“I'm excited to work closely with small charities across England and Wales and discover how the Foundation’s resources can deliver change, bringing people together across the economy to build connections and a culture of compassion across our communities.”

She takes up her new role in January next year and succeeds Duncan Shrubsole, who left earlier this year to become chief executive of homelessness charity St Martin in the Fields.

She is the latest senior hire at the funder, which this year recruited former Scouts chief executive Matt Hyde as CEO.

“I’m delighted Nicole is joining our senior leadership team,” said Hyde.

“With a new government and new administration in Wales, amplifying and championing the voices of small and local charities and those facing complex issues and barriers is crucial.

“We have an important story to tell, which we need to communicate to the public as well as opinion formers, and Nicole’s experience in the private, public and voluntary sectors, combined with her passion for helping people and communities, will be a huge asset to our team and to driving our ambitions forward.”

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