An Ashton-on-Ribble charity is preparing to welcome a new chief executive as the current boss is due to retire.
Caritas Care is bringing in the current CEO of the Salford Foundation where he has been leading for seven years.
Phil East began as a youth worker and brings with him a strong track record in leading projects and services aimed at tackling disadvantage and helping people to overcome barriers.
Read more: Walking all night and sofa surfing – the reality of female homelessness in Preston
Headquartered in Tulketh Road, Caritas dates back to 1897 and undertakes adoption and fostering, as well as supporting people with learning disabilities, operating the Plungington Community Centre and providing supported accommodation.
Caritas has annual income of £8.2million with the majority coming from government contracts and it employs 140 staff. It’s operating costs for the most recent financial period were £7.8million.
Phil told us, “I’m thrilled to have been appointed as the next CEO of Caritas Care and look forward to being part of and working alongside the Caritas Care team. The work that Caritas Care does on a daily basis is totally inspirational. From reading the job pack, exploring the website and meeting people during the interview process, I became more and more excited about the possibility of being part of Caritas Care. It will be a huge privilege to play my part in supporting everything the charity does in the years ahead.”
Although the services delivered by Salford Foundation and Caritas Care differ, Phil said he recognises a strong shared purpose – and he will be leading an organisation which is twice the size.
He said: “There is a clear golden thread between the two organisations – helping people to overcome challenges so they can thrive. That commitment has driven my career and it’s what motivates me.”
Outside of Phil’s professional role, he is actively involved in his local community. He lives with his wife and his daughter and he plays a leadership role within his local Methodist Church and helps run a large ‘Boys Brigade and Girls’ Association serving families in a highly deprived community. Phil is also a Trustee at The Lowry in Salford Quays and has a keen interest in arts and culture.
Phil said: “I’m really looking forward to getting to know colleagues, partners and supporters over the coming months and working together to build on Caritas Care’s incredible legacy.”
He will replace outgoing chief executive Susan Swarbrick who has led Caritas for six years and worked for the charity for 26 years in total in a variety of roles ranging from fostering manager to head of children’s services. The charity said it would be paying tribute to Susan in the weeks ahead as she prepares to start her retirement towards the end of February.
Andy Bennett, chair of trustees at Caritas Care said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are delighted with Phil’s appointment and look forward to welcoming him to Caritas Care. We are confident he will build on the strong leadership that has always been at the heart of the charity.”
Support Blog Preston: Keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox. Help us report too, by contacting us if you see something we should be reporting on.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
