Hilary Armstrong has been welcomed as a new Trustee of Foundations, the national What Works Centre for Children & Families.

Formerly the MP for North West Durham, Baroness Armstrong brings with her decades of experience, having served on the opposition frontbench and in the Cabinet of previous administrations, including as Minister for Local Government, Social Exclusion Minister, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.  

Her early work as a practicing social worker, and then lecturer in youth work, provides her with an invaluable insight into the realities of children and family policy, and local practice on the ground. 

She has continued to champion the voices of vulnerable children and families since joining the House of Lords in 2010, including as an ambassador for Action for Children, as chair of the Public Services Committee, and through her work leading the 2019 National Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence and Multiple Disadvantage. 

Commenting on her appointment, Baroness Armstrong said: 

“I’m delighted to join Foundations to support its mission to ensure that children and families have the foundational relationships they need to thrive. I’m particularly looking forward to joining with Foundations to promote early intervention for children and families and to champion their call for a national vision for evidence-based parenting support to improve children’s life chances.”  

Sam White, Chair of Foundations, said: 

“I’m delighted that Hilary is joining the Foundations’ Board, where her knowledge of children and families policy, and of local government, will be invaluable. Her experience as a national policymaker will be a huge asset as the organisation takes forward its mission to champion actionable evidence to help improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.” 

Dr Jo Casebourne, chief executive of Foundations, added: 

“In the year ahead, Foundations will be focused on ensuring that prevention and early intervention are central to the Government’s agenda for children and families in children’s social care, in parenting and family support, and in approaches to domestic abuse. Hilary is a passionate and powerful advocate for vulnerable children and families, and I am very much looking forward to working with her and the rest of the Foundations’ Board.”