Children’s charity group Coram, which can trace its origins back to the 18th century, has appointed academic Ivor Crewe as its next president and chair of trustees.

Political scientist Crewe is a former master at University College, Oxford and Vice Chancellor of the University of Essex and is an expert in voting behaviour in UK elections from the 1970s through to the 1990s.

Crewe, who was knighted in 2006 and founded the Institute for Economic and Social Research, takes over from David Bell, who retired in June.

Coram is the parent group of charities supporting children and carers. The Thomas Coram Foundation for Children was launched in 1739 as the Foundling Hospital and is the first and longest continuing children’s charity set up by Coram.

“I am proud to be appointed to this distinguished role as president of Coram, and excited to support its bold vision for the Coram Institute for Children to drive forward research, policy and practice and build on its outstanding services to make an even bigger difference for the next generation,” said Crewe.

Coram’s chief executive Carol Homden added: “There has never been a more important time to ensure equality of opportunity in the outcomes for children from all backgrounds and we look forward to benefitting from Sir Ivor’s exceptional leadership, working across local and national government and with partners from a wide range of sectors to achieve a reset of the social contract for children over the next decade.”

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