Caritas Care, which supports children in care by providing fostering and adoption services, has appointed Phil East as its next chief executive.

He joins from the Salford Foundation, where he has been for the last 16 years, the last seven of which as its CEO.

East, who is a former youth and community worker, said: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed as the next CEO of Caritas Care. The work the charity does every day is truly inspirational and I feel hugely privileged to be joining such a dedicated team.

“I’m excited to play my part in supporting Caritas Care’s important work in the years ahead.”

He replaces Susan Swarbrick, who is retiring later this month after 26 years at the charity. She has been its CEO for the last six years and had stints as its fostering manager and head of children’s services.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are delighted to welcome Phil to Caritas Care. We are confident he will build on the strong leadership and values that have always been at the heart of the charity,” said the charity’s chair Andy Bennett.

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