New appointments at Early Intervention Foundation

Ms Oppenheim said, ‘I am delighted to take up the reins as chief executive of the Early Intervention Foundation and look forward to shaping this new organisation which will campaign and work with others to improve the lives of children and families to come. The Early Intervention Foundation provides a unique opportunity to combine advocacy, top quality evidence and working with practitioners on the ground to help make change happen. It is this combination of roles, which makes the Foundation so important. ‘

‘Having a rigorous assessment of what early interventions work, whether they can be replicated and their relative value for money must surely be the way forward in helping those relying on public services to better navigate their lives.’

Professor Feinstein said, ‘Joining the Early Intervention Foundation offers the exciting opportunity to lay the solid groundwork that we will build on in years to come. The programme of work involved in trying to ensure that children are given the best possible start in life is an important social and economic challenge, and an ambitious one.’

Graham Allen MP, chair of trustees at the Early Intervention Foundation, said, ‘It is a great pleasure to welcome Carey and Leon to the Early Intervention Foundation. Having two such high calibre professionals leading the work of the Foundation sends the important signal that we are determined to deliver on our ambitious programme of work. By supporting the development of social and emotional skills in every baby, child and young person we can help break the intergenerational cycle of dysfunction, reduce the cost to the taxpayer and strengthen local communities. ‘

Ms Oppenheim currently combines teaching history and politics in an inner city London school while working as a freelance policy and research consultant. Professor Feinstein has spent the last month balancing his work as interim head of evidence with his role as chief analyst in the Cabinet Office Implementation Unit.

The Early Intervention Foundation will create an evidence-based approach to support the use of early intervention measures to tackle the root causes of social and emotional problems among babies, children and young people. It will provide assessment, advice and advocacy on early investment measures to Government, local service commissioners and investors.