Childhood trauma charity names interim CEO

Chance UK has hired Matt Plen as interim chief executive as it looks to appoint a permanent replacement for Geethika Jayathika who has left the top role to lead youth crime prevention charity Redthread.

Former youth worker Pen’s last chief executive role was with community development and youth work charity Masorti Jusaism and his most recent role was as interim director of Martingale Foundation, which supports disadvantaged students.

He is also a member of the Small Charity Advisory Panel.



“My motivation to take on this exciting position stems from a lifelong commitment to the education, development and wellbeing of young people,” said Plen on taking the role at the charity, which supports children who have faced trauma in their lives.

“As a teenager, I was a member of a youth movement and benefited profoundly from my relationships with youth workers and mentors. As a parent, I understand how important effective educational interventions and social and emotional skills support are, and how difficult it can be to access this through the NHS.

“Chance UK has an impressive track record and huge potential and I feel privileged to be able to play a role in its development.”

The closing date for applications as Chance UK chief executive is 2 June.

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