We are delighted to announce that we have appointed our new Chief Executive Officer.
Hugh Russell will be joining Children in Wales as CEO in July.
Hugh is an experienced and energetic campaigner and public policy professional with a specific interest in young people's rights and well-being, housing and homelessness.
Hugh has a wealth of experience of influencing policy change in Wales, from his most recent role at Cwmpas, the development agency putting people and planet first, and in previous roles such as at Llamau, where, among other roles, he managed the End Youth Homelessness Campaign. Much of Hugh’s career has been spent in the field of housing and homelessness prevention, with a specific focus on young people’s access to housing. He has had a leading role in developing Wales’ first youth housing association, Tai Ffres, and was involved in establishing, Ty Pride, Wales’ first accommodation for LGBTQ+ young people at risk of homelessness. While on the board of TGP Cymru Hugh was heavily involved in the establishment of their Team around the Tenancy service and he has had an influential role in the direction of housing policy for care-experienced young people.
Hugh is a dynamic and passionate leader who will build on Children in Wales’ work, increasing our impact and influence for the benefit of all children in Wales.
Hugh said:
I'm delighted to be joining Children in Wales as Chief Executive in July. Children and young people in Wales continue to face massive challenges, of which poverty is front and centre, and Children in Wales’ role in ensuring that those children’s rights are respected is crucial. Forthcoming political change offers an opportunity to ensure that children are foremost in future government policy, both in Wales and at Westminster, and I am eager to ensure that CIW takes every opportunity, during this period and beyond, to amplify the voices of both the children’s sector and children and young people, themselves.
I’m greatly looking forward to meeting and getting to know CIW’s members and look forward to working alongside them to ensure that all children and young people in Wales have all their rights fulfilled. Likewise, I’m excited to work with Young Wales members to ensure that we are doing everything we can to ensure that children’s voices are heard at every level of government in Wales.
Helen-Mary Jones, Chair of Children in Wales, said:
“The Board are delighted to welcome Hugh to his new role. He has a proven track record of leading campaigns, and his passion for promoting the rights of children and young people is second to none. As Chair I am looking forward to working with him at what is a very difficult time for many children and families in Wales.”