The Jo Cox Foundation has appointed British Red Cross head of policy Olivia Field as its next chief executive

She joins in January from the aid charity, where she leads its lobbying on UK resilience, health, social care and refugee support issues.

Field has been involved in lobbying with the British Red Cross for more than 13 years, joining as a public policy intern in November 2012. During her time at the charity she spent more than a year as senior policy advisor for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on tackling loneliness.

At the Jo Cox Foundation she replaces Will Fletcher, who has been interim CEO since September last year.

The Foundation was launched to promote social cohesion following the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016 by a far-right extremist.

A priority for Field will be to lead events taking place next year, which marks a decade since Jo Cox’s murder.

“With her wealth of experience and proven leadership, she will guide the Foundation into its next chapter with vision and energy,” said the Foundation’s chair Jan Royall.

“Olivia will build on Jo’s legacy and the remarkable progress of the past decade, ensuring we continue to meet society’s challenges by empowering communities, bringing people together, fostering social cohesion, and tackling loneliness.

“She will also be a strong voice in championing respect in politics, helping us create a healthier and more hopeful democracy.”

Field added: “As we approach ten years since Jo’s death, I am honoured to lead The Jo Cox Foundation.

This anniversary reminds us how critically Jo’s vision matters today - urging us to strengthen communities, restore a more respectful politics, and remember that we have more in common than that which divides us.

“Looking to the decade ahead, my focus is on deepening Jo’s legacy: bringing people together, renewing hope, and helping communities bridge divides in ways that are meaningful, inclusive and lasting.”

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