Prof Nick Pearce to join the Early Intervention Foundation as chair, as Dame Clare Tickell DBE steps down from role

Press notice: for immediate release

The Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) has appointed public policy expert Prof Nick Pearce to be its new chairperson.

Nick Pearce is Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Bath. In his career, he has been Head of the No10 Downing Street Policy Unit, Director of the IPPR think-tank, and a special adviser in the Home Office and Department for Education and Employment. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and chair of trustees at Tavistock Relationships.

Prof Nick Pearce, incoming EIF chair of trustees, says:

"I am delighted and honoured to become chair of the Early Intervention Foundation. It has never been more important to make the case – grounded in the best evidence available to us – for investing early in the lives of children and young people, particularly those that experience the greatest disadvantages. I hope to bring both academic knowledge and public policy experience to the chair’s role, helping Dr Jo Casebourne and her team ensure that policymakers at every level of government prioritise early intervention. I pay tribute to Dame Clare Tickell for her outstanding contribution to the organisation and will endeavour to build on everything she has achieved.”

Dame Clare Tickell DBE, outgoing chair of trustees, says:

“It has been an enormous privilege to chair the Early Intervention Foundation for the last five years, and to build on the vision of founding chair Graham Allen. I have been fortunate to have been supported by outstanding trustees and staff and know that I am leaving EIF in very safe hands. I wish it the very best for the future in its vital work improving the lives and outcomes of the most vulnerable children and young people.”

Commenting on the appointment, Christine Davies CBE, vice chair added:

“The EIF has been incredibly fortunate in having Clare Tickell as chair of trustees for the last six years. Clare built on the firm foundations laid by EIF’s first chair Graham Allen – cementing EIF’s role as a world class What Works Centre for early intervention. She will be much missed by trustees and staff alike. We are delighted to have appointed Nick Pearce as EIF’s new chair. Nick’s experience, reputation and public policy expertise will add considerable value to the future vision, purpose and work of EIF – both locally and nationally.”

Nick will start as the chair of trustees on 1 April. Clare has been the chair of trustees at EIF since December 2014.

*ENDS

Contact:

• Andy Ross
  Senior Press Officer, EIF
  E: andy.ross@eif.org.uk
  M: 07949 339975
  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

• To view all Early Intervention Foundation trustees visit the website here.