Crisis UK's chief executive Jon Sparkes is to leave the homeless charity to lead Unicef UK next year.

Sparkes will join Unicef UK in early 2022, having already served as its chief operating officer, before joining Crisis in 2014. He has also been CEO at disability charity Scope and has held senior roles at NHS Cornwall and tech firm Generics Group.

“Following an extensive and thorough selection process which included receiving input from our Youth Advisory Board, members of staff, the senior leadership team and UNICEF, the Board is pleased to be appointing someone of Jon’s calibre,” said Unicef UK chair Shatish Dasani.

“Jon brings an incredibly impressive record of leading large national charities where he has delivered sustained income growth, national partnerships and policy change.

“His leadership, together with his passion for children’s rights, means that the Board and I are excited to work together with Jon in this next chapter for UNICEF UK as it continues to deliver impactful change for children all over the world.”

We are pleased to announce the appointment of @jon_sparkes as @UNICEF_uk's new Chief Executive.

Read more here https://t.co/cKQK1s7oHC pic.twitter.com/mcy1Jiabei

— UNICEF UK Media (@Unicefuk_media) August 25, 2021

Sparkes added: “I am delighted to be returning to UNICEF UK to take up the role of chief executive. It is an immense privilege to lead the organisation in its mission to deliver lifesaving work for children and promote and defend their rights both around the world and here in the UK.

“Right now, children are facing the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and coming under attack in conflicts across the world, threatening their survival and ability to reach their full potential. The work of UNICEF UK to advocate for and create change for children has never been so vital.

“I am excited to get to work alongside and support such a talented group of colleagues help achieve UNICEF UK’s vision of a world fit for every child.”

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