Age UK London chief executive Abigail Wood has been appointed to the same role at single parent families’ charity Gingerbread.

She takes up the permanent post in November after five years leading Age UK in the capital.

Wood, who is a single parent herself, has previously worked in public affairs roles at National Childbirth Trust, Save the Children and Girlguiding.

She takes over from interim chief executive Lisa Pearce.

During her seven months in the role Pearce has overseen a period of upheaval for the charity, which closed its helpline services at the end of March.

The helpline was considered “no longer financially viable” following a review by the charity carried out after its contract with support charity Family Lives and the Department for Education ended, and due to “persistent challenges in diversifying income streams”.

The last permanent CEO of Gingerbread was Victoria Benson, who left at the end of 2024 after five years in the role.

“I’m delighted to welcome Abigail to Gingerbread as our CEO, said Gingerbread chair Sarah Pinch.

“She joins us at a crucial time in our history as we strengthen our charity to better support single-parent families who are facing increased demands and pressures.

“The board and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lisa Pearce for her excellent work as interim CEO.

“We know Abigail is joining a committed and dedicated staff team, alongside our amazing funders, partners, volunteers, and supporters.

"I am so looking forward to working with Abi, bringing our collective leadership experience alongside our lived experience as single parents together to lead the organisation forward.”

Wood added: “As a single parent myself, I’m inspired by and grateful for what the charity has achieved for single-parent families over the years – from building supportive communities both online and in-person to securing major policy changes that make life fairer for families like mine.

“However, there’s still much work to be done. Single parents are twice as likely to live in poverty and are more likely to experience issues with their mental health and wellbeing.

“By improving access to affordable childcare, creating fair job opportunities, strengthening financial support, and investing in wellbeing services, we can ensure every single parent has a secure future for their family.

“I’m looking forward to working with Gingerbread’s board of trustees, and the dedicated staff team to create a society where single-parent families are treated fairly and have the support they need to not just survive but to thrive.”

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