Care charity chair to step down

Become’s chair Hugh Thornbery is to step down after six years leading the care charity’s board.

He will be replaced by trustees Andy Harris and Beth Taswell as interim co-chairs until a permanent replacement is found. Both have been board members at the charity for four years.

Thornbery is a former chief executive of Adoption UK, a qualified social worker and youth worker, and has worked in children and families social care for 40 years, including a four year sting in senior roles at Action for Children.

“Hugh has dedicated his whole career to improving the lives of disadvantaged children. We are extremely lucky to have had him as our Chair,” said Become chief executive Katharine Sacks-Jones.

“He has made an invaluable contribution to Become, supporting us through difficult times such as the pandemic and always keeping us focussed on how we make the most difference to the young people we exist for.

“His knowledge, passion, and the leadership he has provided have played a vital role in ensuring Become continues to put the voice of care-experienced children and young people at the centre of everything we do, helping to shape our services and informing our campaigns to bring about the changes most needed.”

She added: “We’re very grateful to Beth and Andy for stepping forward to co-chair Become in the interim period and are excited about the benefits this model of leadership will bring to our organisation.”

Meanwhile, the charity has appointed a new trustee, chartered accountant Frances Lang.