Monday movers –3 August 2026

Your weekly roundup of appointments happening across the charity sector.
_____________________________________________________________

Music Venue Trust

Former government advisor Chris Hurne has been appointed by the Music Venue Trust as head of external affairs.

He joins the charity that supports the UK’s live music scene after more than 13 years at the Department for Business and Trade, in senior roles including supporting the creative, media and music industries.

“Chris brings a deep understanding of how government works, how policy is developed, and how meaningful relationships between industry and decision-makers are built,” said the charity’s chief operating officer Beverley Whitrick.

“His experience supporting the growth of the UK’s creative industries, combined with his knowledge of the music sector, makes him a hugely valuable addition to our work.

“Grassroots music venues are a vital part of the UK’s cultural infrastructure, but they continue to face significant challenges.

“Having someone with Chris’s experience working across government and industry will help us strengthen our voice, build new partnerships and ensure that the importance of grassroots music venues is understood by those making decisions about the future of music.”

Hurne added: “Having spent much of my career supporting the UK’s creative sectors, I know how important a strong and sustainable ecosystem is.

“I’m looking forward to working with government, industry partners and the wider music community to champion these vital spaces and help secure their future.”

Climate Outreach

Environmental charity Climate Outreach’s chief income officer Zoe Macalpine has been appointed as its interim chief executive for six months.

She starts in the role in September, replacing Rachael Orr, who is leaving after three years leading the charity to take up “an exciting new role in the climate sector”, said Climate Outreach.

It added: “During Rachael’s time with us, she has helped the organisation go from strength to strength, leading new programmes of work and forging hundreds of invaluable partnerships.

"Rachael’s strategic direction has helped shape Climate Outreach into the dynamic organisation we are today, seeing our work across research, advocacy and communications be more ambitious than ever.”

The Young Foundation

Community research and social innovation charity The Young Foundation has appointed six new trustees, to add policy, research, design, governance and higher education expertise to its board.

The new recruits include Internet Matter chair Andrew Puddephatt, West Midlands Combines Authority head of systems change and inclusion Claire Dhami, and National Highways head of policy and impacts Nikos Adamidis.

Executive director of Yorkshire Universities Dr Peter O-Brien, Innovate UK’s deputy director Joanna Choukeir, and UCL Research, Innovation and Global Engagement director of strategy and policy Sarah Chaytor have also joined as trustees.

The charity’s chief executive Dr Sue Griffiths said: “Alongside our Chair and existing trustees, their expertise will help guide the organisation as we work alongside communities, partners and policymakers to create more connected, equitable and resilient futures.

“I am looking forward to working with such a talented, inspiring and insightful group in the years ahead."

---