Your weekly roundup of appointments happening across the charity sector.
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Fundraising Regulator

The Fundraising Regulator’s chief executive Gerald Oppenheim is to stand down next year.

He joined the regulator a decade ago as it launched, initially as its first head of policy and communications. In 2018 he was appointed chief executive.

“Gerald informed the Chair of his intention to stand down earlier in October to allow for a planned exit, the exact date of this departure will depend on the recruitment of a successor but is likely to be in the first half of 2027,” said the regulator.

Oppenheim, who is a former director of policy and partnerships at the Big Lottery Fund, will remain a trustee and chair of the London Emergencies Trust and a trustee and vice chair of the National Emergencies Trust.

The regulator’s chair Toby Harris said: “We have been extremely lucky to have had Gerald Oppenheim leading the Fundraising Regulator for the last 8 years ensuring public trust and confidence in fundraising.”

Rethink Mental Illness

Rethink Mental Illness’s deputy chief executive Brian Dow has been named as its next CEO.

He takes the top role at the charity in April 2027, succeeding Mark Winstanley, who is retiring after 40 years at the charity.

Dow joined the charity as deputy CEO 12 years ago, following a career as a broadcast journalist and working at charities including Shelter, School Food Trust and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

He is a former member of the NHS Assembly, co-chair of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance and has served on the Sustainability Committee for Lloyd’s of London.

“Over the past 12 years I’ve seen first-hand the difference this organisation makes in the lives of people severely affected by mental illness, and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate colleagues, supporters and campaigners who are all committed to creating positive change,” said Dow.

The charity’s chair Kathryn Tyson added: “Brian brings extensive leadership experience, a deep understanding of the organisation and its work, together with a strong commitment to improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness.

Money Ready

Financial education charity Money Ready has appointed Sian Williams as its next chief executive.

She joins in January next year from London based prison resettlement charity Switchback, where she has been CEO for the last four years.

“The Board was impressed by Sian’s vision, experience and commitment to our mission, as well as her warm and inclusive leadership style,” said Money Ready chair Rhodri Mason.

“She has long been one of the UK’s most respected voices on financial inclusion and brings decades of leadership and policy influence.”

Williams, who spent just under 15 years as a UK diplomat before taking up senior charity sector roles, added: “I am passionate about financial inclusion and about the kind of systemic change that makes that possible.”

Prior to joining Switchback Williams spent 13 years at Toynbee Hall, including four years as its director of policy and innovation.

Mencap

Learning disability charity Mencap has appointed Nic Alderson as its executive director of personal support in England.
She joins from stem cell transplant charity Antony Nolan, where she has been chief operation officer for the past 13 years.

“Following a highly competitive recruitment process, Nic stood out for her executive leadership experience, operational expertise, commercial acumen and commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred services,” said Mencap chief executive Jon Sparkes.

“She brings a strong track record of leading complex organisations through growth and transformation, while keeping the people they support at the heart of decision-making.”

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