The Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has appointed Dame Julia Cleverdon as the new chair of the National Lottery Community Fund, effective 18 November.
She will replace interim chair Paul Sweeney later this month after he stepped up to the role following Blondel Cluff’s departure in July 2023.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) began its search for a permanent successor at the start of the year, with Sweeney only due to have remained in situ until August after agreeing a 12-month fixed-term contract last summer.
When advertising the role, DCMS listed it as a four-year contract with remuneration of £40,000 for two days’ work per week.
Dame Julia has chaired multiple charities in the past, including Teach First from July 2006 to January 2014, the National Literacy Trust and Place Matters.
She previously served as CEO of Business in the Community for 17 years and spent time as a special adviser to the Princes’ Charities between September 2008 and January 2015.
The fund’s new chair, who was appointed a Dame in 2008, also serves as chair of the National Statistician’s committee on inclusive data.
In addition, she was a co-founder of the #iwill movement which supports young people to engage in social action through volunteering, campaigning and advocacy.
Dame Julia said of her appointment: “Being invited by Lisa Nandy to chair The National Lottery Community Fund is the greatest honour and opportunity of my campaigning life.
“Joining the board as we mark the 30th anniversary of the National Lottery allows us all to celebrate and reflect on what has been achieved so far, as well as what is needed on the new voyage to deliver the ambitious strategy ‘It Starts with Community’.”
She continued: “Encouraging collaborative action, forging deep partnerships and building trusting relationships are – in my experience – critical to success in strengthening communities so they can transform people and places.
“I look forward to working with our board and committees, our leadership team and staff all over the UK as well as with those who can help us succeed in this most vital of missions.”
David Knott, The National Lottery Community Fund CEO, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Dame Julia to The National Lottery Community Fund.
“With her unparalleled experience in fostering cross-sector collaboration and her lifelong commitment to positive social change, Dame Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to our mission.”
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