Sharon Kemp is chief executive of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and was appointed by Government commissioners and the council to lead improvements which have seen powers return and a ‘good’ Ofsted-rated children and young people’s services. Sharon has over 20 years’ service across local government, the police and the community and voluntary sector.

Joanne Roney has been the chief executive of Manchester City Council since April 2017. During the last two and a half years, she has dealt with a number of unprecedented events, including the Manchester Arena bomb, and is driving the council through fundamental changes to health and social care. Previously chief executive of Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council, Joanne was awarded an OBE for services to local government in 2009.

Dame Clare Tickell, EIF chair of trustees, says:

“We are delighted to welcome Joanne and Sharon to the EIF board. Their experience in local government and the protection of children and families, and the commissioning of services for them, will be invaluable for us at this important time. As EIF grows, it is fantastic to be joined by such formidable experience and talent.”

Sharon Kemp, EIF trustee, says:

"I am very pleased to join EIF as a trustee. Having led the transformation of services for children and young people, I have a personal commitment to early intervention so that all children and young people get the best start in life. I am delighted to be able use my skills and experience to support EIF in its mission to ensure that all children and young people can achieve their full potential."

Joanne Roney, EIF trustee, says:

"Inspiring our young people to meet their potential is a hugely important responsibility, and I’ve long admired the work of the EIF in supporting children through their early years experience, helping them to grow and develop in a positive way. It’s an honour, therefore, that I join them as a trustee and I look forward to helping to play my part in their invaluable work."

The appointments are effective from 31 October 2019.

*ENDS

Contact:

• Mark Ballinger
  Head of Communications, EIF
  E: mark.ballinger@eif.org.uk
  T: 020 3542 2481 (switchboard)

Notes:

• The Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) is an independent charity that champions and supports the use of effective early intervention to improve the lives of children and young people at risk of experiencing negative outcomes. For more information, see: www.eif.org.uk
• The EIF report Realising the potential of early intervention outlines the key barriers to be overcome and changes to be made at national and local level, to ensure effective early intervention is available for the children and families who need it most. Available at: https://www.eif.org.uk/reports/realising-the-potential-of-early-intervention