Ross Hendry takes up new role as CEO of CARE

Press Release: 1 November 2021

Today, 1 November, the Christian charity CARE (Christian, Action Research and Education) has a new Chief Executive as Ross Hendry takes up the role.

Appointed by the Board of Trustees earlier this year, Ross is replacing Nola Leach who has retired from the role after nearly 20 years in post.

Prior to joining CARE, Ross was the CEO of Spurgeons children’s charity and has also served as Deputy CEO in the office of the Children’s Commissioner for England. Before that he was Head of Public Policy at Action for Children and stood as a parliamentary candidate during the 2005 General Election.

Paying tribute to Nola Leach, Ross said:

“It is an incredible honour to take up this new role as CEO of CARE and I’m conscious that I’m following Nola who’s done such an amazing job in leading the work of CARE.

“I want to thank Nola for all her help during the last few months of transition and wish her every blessing in this exciting new chapter.”

Ross joins CARE in the same year the charity is celebrating 50 years since the Nationwide Festival of Light (NFoL) which took place on 25 September 1971, in Trafalgar Square, London.

CARE grew out of the NFoL in 1983 when co-founders Lyndon Bowring and Charlie Colchester re-named the ministry Christian Action Research and Education, better known as CARE.

Since then, CARE has worked with parliamentarians across the whole of the UK, bringing a clear biblical perspective to the corridors of power on a wide range of policies and laws.

CARE’s new CEO, Ross Hendry, continued:

“What I love about CARE is that it believes in the whole bible. It believes in the good news of Jesus and in the calling we have from God to make a difference in every area of society.

“For CARE, that means working with policy makers, bringing a clear, biblically informed perspective on laws and policies.

“As a society, we’re swimming in deep waters and there’s such a need for the church to confidently engage with politics and policies.

“My prayers and hopes are that we will be able to give our brothers and sisters in the wider church the courage to take a stand and to speak out.

“We’re going to do all we can to influence laws for good, to train new leaders through the highly-regarded Leadership Programme and equip the church on some of the most pressing matters of the day.

“CARE has an immensely talented team of people who are passionate about making a difference and I cannot wait to get started.”

Welcoming Ross to the team, CARE’s Chief Communications Officer, James Mildred, said:

“This is an incredibly important season for CARE as we look to grow and engage with parliamentarians, churches and policy makers across the UK.

“Ross brings so much experience and skills to the role. All of us at CARE are delighted that he’s joined us and looking forward to working together to declare God’s truth, courageously and confidently in the corridors of power and beyond.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Watch a filmed conversation to mark Ross’ first day with CARE’s James Mildred: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KREoFbWHHo

A picture of Ross is attached.

CARE announced Ross’ appointment in August: https://care.org.uk/news/2021/08/care-announces-change-of-ceo

About CARE

CARE is a well-established mainstream Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. CARE is represented in the UK Parliaments and Assemblies.

For interview requests or more information please contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk