Your weekly roundup of appointments happening across the charity sector.
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My Life My Say

Youth voice charity My Life My Say (MLMS)’s co-chief executive Melisha John has taken sole responsibility for the role.

She joined the charity six years ago initially as its operations director, before becoming co-chief executive in charge of governance and operations two years ago.

“After six years with MLMS, this feels like a pretty special moment. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and so excited for what’s next,” she said.



The charity said: “Under her leadership, we’ll build on everything we’ve achieved so far - growing our reach, creating more opportunities for young people to participate in democracy, and making sure young people have a real say in the decisions that affect their lives”.

John had shared the role with Dan Lawes who has joined the London School of Economics as its deputy director of campaign for youth wellbeing.

British Library

Former UK Space Agency chief executive Paul Bate is to take the same role at the British Library.

He joins in November and replaces interim CEO Jeremy Silver.

“I am honoured to be leading an organisation of expert professionals that has shared knowledge at its heart, opens up ideas and information to millions of people, and is resiliently overcoming the challenges of recent years,” said Bate, who spent five years leading the UK Space Agency until this year.

He has previously held senior roles at Babylon Health and regulator the Care Quality Commisison and has advised the government on health and adult care policy.

The last permanent chief executive at the charity was Rebecca Lawrence, who left last year. During her tenure the charity had become embroiled in a pay dispute with staff that ended in February this year.

Adult Literacy Trust

The Adult Literacy Trust has appointed Stevie Tyler as its first permanent chief executive.

She had previously spent five years as CEO of the Aplastic Anaemia Trust until 2025 She has spent the last year in interim charity chief executive roles, including a six month stint leading Bloody Good Period.

The Trust’s founder and chair Robert Glick said: “Stevie brings the strategic ambition and deeply human approach to leadership that the Adult Literacy Trust needs for its next chapter.

“She has an impressive record of helping small charities like ours grow, developing strong organisations and building partnerships around a shared purpose.

“Under her leadership, we aim to reach many more learners, recruit and support more volunteers, build new partnerships with colleges and supporters, and give adult literacy a stronger voice in the national skills debate.”

Kidney Research UK

The British Heart Foundation’s chief technology officer Chris Brocklesby has been appointed to the board of trustees of Kidney Research UK.

The charity said he brings lived experience to its board having received two kidney transplants after being diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy in his 20s.

“I look forward to bringing my IT and transformation experience, in both commercial and charity sectors, to help grow the charity and deliver on its new strategy,” said Brocklesby.

He is one of two trustee appointments, with Aviva Workplace Pensions Business’s head of client relationships Victoria Panormo, also joining. She also has lived experience of the charity’s mission as her husband has had two kidney transplants.

Classics for All

Andrew Copson has been appointed chair of Classics for All, the charity that aims to give state school pupils access to classical education such as learning Latin.

Copson, who replaces TV producer Jimmy Mulville, has held senior roles in organisations including the Electoral Reform Society, Equally Ours and Humanists International.

"The study of the ancient world is one of the greatest sources of fascination and fulfilment there is, and I believe every young person should have the right to experience it," said Copson.

“I was fortunate enough to have that chance myself, through a Government assisted place in the 1980s, and when I became the first in my family to go away to university it was to read Classics.

“I have never forgotten the world that opened up for me. I am delighted to be joining Classics for All to help bring the same opportunity to many more young people, whatever their background."

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