National anti-poverty charity The Trussell Trust, which co-ordinates the largest network of foodbanks in the UK, has announced today that David McAuley will be stepping down as Chief Executive. He will be moving onto the charity OPENhouse, a charity which helps young people and vulnerable people discover their potential.
David McAuley joined The Trussell Trust in August 2008, and took up the role of Chief Executive in January 2014. He has overseen the creation of the More Than Food program, which has included schemes to offer fuel vouchers to people referred to foodbanks, cooking and budgeting courses, and holiday clubs.
The Trussell Trust is actively seeking a new Chief Executive, but in the meantime the charity will be functioning as normal.
David McAuley said today:
“When I joined The Trussell Trust we had 13 foodbanks open, one house of opportunity in Bulgaria, a very small charity shop and social enterprise, and a dream to help as many people as we could. Together with the dedication of over 40,000 volunteers in communities across the UK, over the past nine years we have turned that dream into a reality.
“It has been an incredible journey and a privilege to be CEO of The Trussell Trust for three years, but I believe the time is right to move on to a new challenge. Leading a charity which harnesses the power and generosity of volunteers has been inspiring, as has working with a team of committed and hard-working people. I am energised and looking forward to taking my skills to a new cause.”
Liz Pollard, Chairman of Trustees, said today:
“The last few years have seen the need for foodbanks continue to grow, with our Foodbank Network providing record numbers of emergency food supplies in the last financial year. David’s leadership of The Trussell Trust has been defined by his wish to find innovative solutions to the grave problem of hunger in the UK. It’s David’s vision and enthusiasm that has pioneered the charity’s new More Than Food programme, to build resilience and make sure people don’t need a foodbank parcel in the first place. It’s an incredible achievement and we wish him all the best as he moves onto a new opportunity.”
ENDS
For more information contact Garry Lemon, Head of Media & External Affairs on 020 3137 6699.
Notes
The Trussell Trust:
- The Trussell Trust is an anti-poverty charity that runs a network of over 420 foodbanks across the UK.
- Trussell Trust foodbanks provide three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis in the UK, and many foodbanks offer free additional services, like money advice and budget cookery courses as part of the charity’s ‘More Than Food’ approach, to build resilience and help prevent people needing referral to a foodbank again. Foodbank volunteers are also trained to signpost people to other agencies and services able to help resolve the underlying cause of the crisis.
- Everyone who comes to a Trussell Trust foodbank is referred by a professional such as a social worker, health visitor or schools liaison officer. Over 30,000 frontline professionals refer people to Trussell Trust foodbanks, and 50 percent are statutory agencies.
- Over 90 percent of food given out by Trussell Trust foodbanks is donated by the public. In 2016-17, 11,175 tonnes of food were given to people in crisis.
- The Trussell Trust is a charity motivated by Christian principles. For more about The Trussell Trust visit trusselltrust.org
