Capacitybuilders - Improving support for a stronger third sector

12/09/2008

Chris Pond, Capacitybuilders’ Chair, has today announced the appointment of the organisation’s new Chief Executive.

Matt Leach, currently Director of Policy and Communications at the Housing Corporation, will be joining Capacitybuilders as Chief Executive.

Wealth of experience

He brings a wealth of experience working within and beyond Government, including as a Senior Civil Servant in Cabinet Office and then the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Experienced leader

Commenting on the appointment, Chris Pond said:

“Matt is a high calibre and very experienced leader who will bring substantial energy and integrity to the job of leading the organisation and developing its role as a strategic funder and influential partner to the third sector and Government.

He shares our commitment that, through its investments, Capacitybuilders should make a real difference to the effectiveness of the Third Sector and in the communities it serves.”

Solid foundations on which to build

Chris went onto praise Acting Chief Executive, Catherine Johnstone: “Catherine has done a remarkable job in taking the organisation from strength to strength and in building an energetic and committed team."

Delivery and development

"I am convinced that with Matt and our newly expanded Board, we have the right leadership in place for the next phase of Capacitybuilders’ delivery and development – not least in making the case for future investment to build capacity in the third sector”

Remit

Matt is charged with leading the organisation in its management of the £88.5million Government ChangeUp investment programme, building on the challenges and commitments set out in the Third Sector Review – from developing the evidence base, to ensuring reach across the third sector.

Full commitment to the role

On his appointment Matt commented:

“I am delighted to have been appointed to lead Capacitybuilders at this pivotal time and fully committed to building on the achievements of Catherine and her team and developing stronger links to influence the environment in which support services can flourish and meet the needs of frontline organisations.”

Inheriting a strong and passionate team

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Johnstone said that she welcomed the appointment as a great opportunity to build on the achievements of the past two years:

“I am confident – especially following our recent recruitment programme – that Matt inherits a strong and passionate team to support him and the Board over the coming years.”