Your weekly updates about appointments in the charity sector
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Blue Light Card Foundation
The Blue Light Card Foundation has announced the appointment of two new trustees,
David Crews and Katie Pavoni.

Crews serves as a Station Commander for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, with
responsibility for Merthyr Tydfil. Throughout his career, he has held several senior positions, including Project Lead for an internal mental health and wellbeing programme. He is also an
active member of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Mental Health and Wellbeing Board
and currently chairs a national multi-agency group focused on improving support for emergency responders following the death of a child or young person.

Pavoni is a registered Paramedic, Associate Professor, and Course Director for the BSc in Paramedic Science at City, St George’s, University of Londo. She has been particularly involved in initiatives to improve mental health and wellbeing for paramedics in the early stages of their careers.

Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust has announced the appointment of Polly Bianchi as its new chief income generation officer. She brings over 18 years of experience in the charity sector. Her career began agency-side, where she worked with prominent charity clients including Cancer Research UK, UNICEF, and Amnesty International. She later moved into senior in-house roles at renowned organisations such as WWF, FareShare UK, and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Independent Age
Marios Leptos has been appointed as director of services at national older people’s financial hardship charity Independent Age. He is an experienced leader, having most recently held the role of Director of Services Delivery at Citizens Advice.

Islamic Relief Worldwide
Islamic Relief Worldwide has announced that Nadeem Malik, currently managing director of the Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD), has been appointed as Interim chief executive officer effective October 2025. The current CEO, Waseem Ahmad, will complete his term at the end of September.

London's Union Chapel
London’s Union Chapel has announced the appointment of Ken Beech as the new Chaircof trustees of the Union Chapel Project, succeeding Philip Walker, who has stepped down after 22 years of service, along with two new trustees – Neil Ruckman and Cathy Bird.

Beech has held senior roles in both the public and private sectors and is known for his values-driven leadership.

Neil Ruckman is an educationalist and storyteller who firmly believes in the power of both arts and education in realising individual and societal potential. He has held senior leadership roles in both secondary and further education and has served as a chair of governors. He is currently a senior examiner in ESOL and a moderator for further and adult education courses.

Cathy Bird is the Minister of Union Chapel, having been appointed in January 2025. Cathy previously worked in social policy and research before being ordained as a Presbyter in the Methodist Church in 1997.

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