New appointments have been announced at the Charity Finance Group, with Kevin O’Brien, former Chair of CFG’s Finance and Audit Committee, being appointed interim chair of the board.

He takes the reins from Gary Forster who served for two terms until December 2023.

O'Brien said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed by the board as interim Chair and value the trust and confidence the board places in me. It is a privilege to continue serving the organisation and work alongside so many committed and experienced people.

"My time as a board member and chair of CFG’s Finance and Audit Committee has given me the opportunity to support the organisation’s financial integrity and has provided me with real insight into CFG’s work and future plans.”

“These are really exciting times for CFG. The charity has been through many changes and challenges during the past four years, including an organisational restructuring, the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis.

“We have been expertly guided by Gary Forster as chair, and a Board of talented and committed individuals. On behalf of the Board, CFG’s staff team and our members and partners, I want to thank Gary for the commitment and diligence he has shown throughout this time on the Board.

"I’m looking forward to leading the Board through 2024 and playing a role in the future development of CFG. At the heart of the decisions we will make will be a desire to focus on continuity and impact.”

More changes

On 1 April, CFG’s CEO, Caron Bradshaw OBE, will also begin a new, part-time role at the Lending Standards Board (LSB).

She will join LSB’s Board as one of three new non-executive directors. She joins at the same time as broadcaster Iain Dale, and economist Paul Johnson.

Bradshaw will remain CEO of CFG, dividing her time between leading CFG’s team and driving forward the LSB Board in its role to challenge financial services providers to deliver the right customer outcomes across the sector.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining the LSB as a non-executive director. My work with CFG champions best practice to create a trustworthy charity sector – values that resonate deeply with the LSB's commitment to setting high standards in financial services.

“My role at CFG remains the same – I’m not going anywhere any time soon. However, this opportunity has led the Board and executive team to think differently about how we shape CFG for the future and how we lead a growing team.”

Bradshaw will be supported by directors Sarah Lomax and Dr Clare Mills, who have both been promoted to the newly created co-role of deputy CEO. The move is part of CFG’s longer-term workforce planning which will also see the recruitment of a number new staff members to boost capacity and programmes.

Bradshaw continued: “Since the pandemic, we’ve strengthened our focus on our people, their wellbeing and the roles we will need for the future. As we head into a new financial year, we’re in a position where we can attract new talent to the team, and continue developing the incredible talent we already have.”

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