The Family and Childcare Trust names interim chief executive

Stephen Dunmore, who will take up the post from 2 February, replaces Anand Shukla, who is leaving to head up Brightside, a young people’s education and mentoring charity.

Mr Dunmore was previously chief executive at the New Opportunities Fund, which developed and funded a large-scale childcare programme between 1998 and 2003, and subsequently the Big Lottery Fund.

Since leaving in 2008, he has held interim chief executive roles at the Responsible Gambling Fund, The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and the Lumos Foundation.

Mr Dunmore said he was delighted to have been appointed by the Trust at ‘such an important time’.

‘In its short history, the charity has built a compelling argument for the need for a radical overhaul of the childcare system, and the general election presents us with an exciting opportunity to make our cause to politicians from all political parties,’ he added.

Kate Stephens, co-chair of the board of trustees at the Family and Childcare Trust, said, ‘Stephen comes with an incredible track record and has a real passion for creating positive change for families.

‘I am very pleased he has accepted this challenging role and confident he will help the Family and Childcare Trust to flourish over the next few months.’

The trust’s board of trustees will also start the work to recruit a permanent chief executive.