Leslie Morphy, who was chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis for eight years, has been appointed chair of children in care and care leaver’s charity Become.

She was CEO of Crisis until 2015 and is also a former director of the Prince’s Trust.

Morphy’s non-executive roles include chairing the board at Oxford Brookes University and chairing homelessness charity Pathway.

“I am thrilled to join Become as chair,” said Morphy.

“At a time when there are record numbers of children in care and a care system that is failing to provide the love, support and stability they need, the work of the charity is more urgent than ever.

“I look forward to supporting Become’s vital work with care-experienced young people and their campaigning for the changes to the care system that young people want to see.”

Become has also appointed Deloitte senior consultant Marvin Campbell as vice chair.

The board had been led by trustees Andy Harris and Beth Taswell on a temporary basis as co-chairs. The last permanent chair was Hugh Thornbery, who stepped down last year.

“We are delighted to welcome Leslie and Marvin to the Become Board,” said Become chief executive Katherine Sacks-Jones.

“Leslie has extensive experience of leadership and governance and a strong commitment to improving the lives of care-experienced young people. We are very excited about the positive impact we will have in the years ahead with Leslie’s support and guidance.

“We’re fortunate to also be joined by Marvin as Vice Chair who brings a huge amount of personal and professional experience to the board.

“We’re very grateful to Beth and Andy for stepping forward to co-chair Become in the interim period, which has included launching new services, producing a report with MPs and our Christmas appeal with the i Paper.

“Their leadership and support have been invaluable over the last six months.”

---