Youth homelessness charity chief to lead The Children’s Trust

The Children’s Trust has appointed Mike Thiedke as its next chief executive.

He joins in November from youth homelessness charity Depaul UK, where he has held the same role for more than five years.

“For the past 15 years, my career has been dedicated to providing opportunities for children and families to live the best life possible – a value that also drives the work of The Children’s Trust and every member of staff who works here,” said Thiedke, who has previously held senior roles at Plan International UK, ActionAid and the United Nations.

“I will strive to maintain momentum on the charity’s recovery plan to help us build a strong foundation on which to launch our ambitions for an exciting future, where we can do even more and better for the children with brain injury and neurodisability and the families we exist to support.”

Thiedke takes over from the Trust’s director of resources Mike Maddick, who has been interim CEO since December last year.

Exciting news alert!📣

We're thrilled to announce that Mike Thiedke is set to lead the way as the new Chief Executive of The Children’s Trust, starting Monday 13 November 2023. pic.twitter.com/RmksTbLWOB
— The Children's Trust (@Childrens_Trust) October 20, 2023

The Children’s Trust’s chair Steve Flanagan said Thiedke’s “extensive experience and expertise, coupled with his passion for making a positive difference to the lives of children and families, will help to drive the organisation towards its goal of a secure and exciting future”.

He added: “On behalf of the organisation, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mike Maddick for his exemplary stewardship of the organisation over the past year.

“I am pleased that he will continue to be a member of our Senior Leadership Team as we look to continue the important work that he has already played such an important role in driving forward.”