Jon Sparkes, Mencap’s new Chief Executive
Learning disability charity Mencap is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Sparkes OBE as its new Chief Executive, starting in June this year.
Jon is an experienced leader in the charity sector, joining Mencap from his current role as Chief Executive of UNICEF UK, having previously worked as Chief Executive at Crisis UK and Scope. He brings a breadth of valuable experience, with a strong track record of growing scale and impact at major UK charities.
Jon also has notable experience in non-executive positions for charities and social enterprises, including SeeAbility, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) and the Centre for Homelessness Impact.
Commenting on his appointment, Jon Sparkes OBE said:”I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the Mencap team, and to lead the organisation working to make the UK the very best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
“It is unacceptable that people with a learning disability continue to face inequalities and discrimination. Mencap’s work to deliver high quality and empowering support services at the same time as working alongside people with a learning disability to campaign for equal rights and opportunities is an inspiring mission that we should all get behind. It will be an absolute honour for me to play a part in this movement and to work with the incredible team that delivers Mencap’s work day-in-day-out.”
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, Chair of Royal Mencap Society said: “I and my fellow trustees are thrilled that Jon will be joining Mencap as our new CEO. He brings a unique mix of leadership experience across both service delivery and policy influence at the highest level, alongside a deep commitment to leading values-led organisations.
“Jon’s personal passion for improving the lives of people with a learning disability will be invaluable as we continue on our mission to make the UK the best place in the world to live for people with learning disabilities. We look forward to working with him and the rest of the outstanding Mencap team to make this a reality.
“I would also like to take this chance to thank Jackie O’Sullivan who has led Mencap with such skill and dedication as our Acting CEO over the past 5 months. Jackie will continue in this role until Jon joins us later this year.”
Mencap’s Acting Chief Executive Jackie O’Sullivan will continue in her role until Jon joins in early summer.
