The Board of Foundations, the What Works Centre for Children and Families, has appointed Sam White as its new chair to replace former Executive Chair, Josh MacAlister, who stepped down in May to become a Member of Parliament.
Foundations generates and champions actionable evidence to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. Sam’s appointment comes as Foundations aims to seize the opportunity that the new government offers to address the most pressing issues facing children and families, and to shape the direction of policy and practice here.
Sam has over 25 years’ experience spanning government and politics, policy making, financial services and sustainability, and brings to Foundations a wealth of expertise, as well as a long-standing commitment to evidence-based policy.
Sam is MD of his own advisory business, Next Chapter Strategy, and was previously Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer, then Leader of the Opposition, after spending a decade at FTSE100 Aviva as Group Sustainability and Public Policy Director. He previously worked in the Treasury and other parts of Government.
Sam is a passionate advocate for ‘what works’ to deliver positive outcomes and he is known for his dedication to social purpose initiatives. He has served on numerous boards and advisory bodies, championing causes including the Living Wage, gender equality, and social mobility. Sam is a co-founder of Hounslow Community FoodBox and was one of the most senior job-sharing dads in the UK when he was at Aviva.
Reshard Auladin OBE, who has acted an Interim Chair since May this year, said:
“I am delighted that Sam has been appointed chair. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of government, politics and public policy. His energy, values and track record of achieving positive change make him an ideal choice to lead Foundations.”
Sam White, the incoming Chair of Trustees at Foundations said:
“I am honoured and eager to take on the role of Chair of Trustees at Foundations. I am inspired by the organisation’s vision to ensure that children have the foundational relationships they need to thrive in life, and by its commitment to embed evidence in policy and practice to achieve this. With a new government in place, this is a pivotal moment for children and families. I look forward to building on the work that Foundations is doing to drive that agenda forward.”
Sam formally took up his role on 7th October.
Notes to editors
Foundations is the national What Works Centre for Children and Families.
For further information, please contact Charlotte Kelsted, Senior Press Officer: 07773 647 480 / charlotte.kelsted@foundations.org.uk
