The Social Mobility Foundation has appointed the former chief executive of Camelot UK, which ran the National Lottery until two years ago, to head its board.

Nigel Railton replaces former Labour government cabinet minister Alan Milburn, who has taken up the role of honorary president of the charity, which helps young people into skilled jobs.

Railton, who is from a working class background, has served on the Foundation’s board for three years and is currently chair of Post Office Ltd, Racecourse Media Group and digitalRG.

“It is a real privilege to become chair of the Social Mobility Foundation, a charity and a cause I care deeply about,” said Railton.

“I look forward to building on those strong foundations and working with the board, the SMF team and all our community to make an even bigger difference to young people’s lives.”

Milburn, who had led the board for the last seven years, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to hand over the Chair to Nigel, and I’m looking forward to remaining part of the Social Mobility Foundation community as president, supporting the team as the charity continues to grow and develop.”

---