CLIC Sargent has appointed Rachel Kirby-Rider as its new chief executive.

Kirby-Rider was appointed the interim CEO earlier in March when former leader, Kate Lee, stepped down to join Alzheimer's Society. She was appointed to the permanent position last week.

She has held roles including director of fundraising and director of income and engagement at the charity and spearheaded the charity's new income generation strategy.

Prior to joining CLIC Sargent, Kirby-Rider was executive director of fundraising and communications at Samaritans and head of corporate and community fundraising at Diabetes UK.

She takes up the role at a time when charities are calling on the government for urgent financial help amid the coronavirus outbreak. She has joined NCVO and Acevo's calls for more financial support during a time when income is decreasing, but the demand for services is increasing.

“I feel privileged to have this opportunity to lead CLIC Sargent through these extremely challenging times. The impact of coronavirus is being felt by each and every one of us, none more so than the young cancer patients and families we support here at CLIC Sargent," Kirby-Rider said.

“The need for our support is growing, yet we are faced with a huge fall in donations which we depend on to keep our vital services running. CLIC Sargent will continue to call on the government for more support for charities, so that no young cancer patient or their families have to face this alone.”

The charity's chair of trustees, Sir David Haslam added that her "calm leadership as interim CEO through one of the most serious crises in modern history has been hugely impressive".

"I am confident that Rachel is the right person to lead the charity through these difficult times and am very much looking forward to working with her," he said.

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