Church Action on Poverty appoints new Chief Executive

Laim Purcell

The ecumenical charity Church Action on Poverty has appointed a new Chief Executive. Liam Purcell steps into the role from 1 July, and says he wants Church Action on Poverty to speak truth to power, and be a catalyst for change in communities.

Liam Purcell said today: "I'm excited to start working alongside the many churches and other partners who share Church Action on Poverty's vision. I want us to continue being a catalyst for change in communities, and speaking truth to power. I'm proud to be part of an organisation that is always rooted in the lived experience of people who live with poverty. I've seen first-hand the amazing difference that churches can make in their communities, and if any churches are looking to embark on work to tackle the injustice of poverty, we'd love to work together."

Helen Goodman, chair of Church Action on Poverty's Council of Management, said: "We had a high number of first-class applicants for this role and following a rigorous process the Council of Management appointed Liam. He has total commitment to the organisation and its values. At the same time we believe his experience and management skills will serve the organisation well, following a period of phenomenal growth and in a time when action to tackle poverty is really important."

Liam Purcell has overseen Church Action on Poverty's communications since 2007, and played a lead role in initiatives including Let's End Poverty, End Hunger UK, and Challenge Poverty Week. Prior to that, he was National Coordinator for the Student Christian Movement. He replaces Niall Cooper, who was Chief Executive of Church Action on Poverty from 1997 until he stepped down this summer.

Church Action on Poverty works with churches and partners across the UK, and supports 120 communities to run Local Pantries supporting over 60,000 people. Find out more about Church Action on Poverty and get involved at www.church-poverty.org.uk

Church Action on Poverty is a national ecumenical Christian social justice charity, committed to tackling poverty in the UK. Since 1982 we have worked in partnership with churches, and with people in poverty themselves, to tackle the root causes of poverty. We put gospel values of justice and compassion into practice. We know that the real experts on poverty are the people who live with it. Our work is driven by their insights and experiences. We help them to make their voices heard. We speak truth to power, campaigning nationally and locally for policies that will loosen the grip of poverty on people's lives.

LINK
Church Action on Poverty: www.church-poverty.org.uk/