Max Rutherford has been appointed to the role of Director of Grant Programmes at People’s Health Trust. Max joins the Trust from the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) where he was Head of Policy and Practice for four years. He led ACF’s flagship initiative, Stronger Foundations, a high-profile sector-wide programme aiming to create a step-change in effective practice. He also has a wealth of experience of managing the criminal justice programme at Barrow Cadbury Trust. Max will start the role on 20 June.

This follows the appointment of Lisa Doyle as Director of Engagement and Influencing (maternity cover) in April. Lisa was previously the Director of Advocacy and Engagement at the Refugee Council, leading their work to improve policy and practice for refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK.

Max said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at People’s Health Trust. As levels of need rise and inequalities in society increase, it’s perhaps never been more vital that the Trust’s resources are used in ways that are ambitious and effective. I look forward to working with charities, community groups and other funders across Great Britain in our shared goal to end health inequalities.”

Lisa said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Trust at this important time. The pandemic has underlined the acute health inequalities experienced by many communities and the cost of living crisis will only serve to deepen them. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in pushing for the policy changes needed to eradicate these unnecessary and unjust differences in life expectancy and health.”

John Hume, Chief Executive at People’s Health Trust said:

Max has joined us at a very exciting time as we begin to build on our foundations to further develop the Trust’s grant-making programme addressing the social determinants of health. His experience overseeing criminal justice and his deep understanding of the trust and foundation sector and its governance makes him the ideal person to help us further develop our work in the coming years.

We are also delighted that Lisa has joined us to help bring to life our influencing and engagement work, at this critical time for the Trust. She brings with her a wealth of highly credible policy, campaigning and influencing success and we are very excited to be working with her to help us shape our work.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. People’s Health Trust is an independent charity investing in local communities in England, Scotland and Wales to help create a society without health inequalities. It works to ensure that where you live does not unfairly reduce the length of your life, or the quality of your health. It works closely with 12 community interest companies raising money through The Health Lottery and distributing grants.