The Children’s Society has appointed Michelle Clark as its new Executive Director of Diversity and Talent. Michelle will join the charity’s Executive Leadership Team following a career in the rail industry.
 
The newly created role signals the charity’s focus on developing talent alongside equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring all staff and volunteers can thrive. The Children’s Society employs around 800 people and manages close to 8000 volunteers across its services, income generation and retail network.
 
Michelle, who lives near Brighton, began her career with Southern Railway, moving to Network Rail and then Govia Thameslink Railway as Head of Employee Engagement and Experience. Having studied Social Psychology, and Personnel and Development at university, she brings a lifelong passion for the people agenda.
 
Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said: “We have a massive job to do in improving the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in society and our team needs to bring the breadth and depth of society to that challenge. I’m thrilled Michelle is joining us and bringing her passion for inclusion and employee experience to help us meet that challenge. I want The Children’s Society to lead the way in hiring, developing and valuing a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.”
 
Commenting on the appointment, Michelle said: “I could not have asked for a more exciting brief. I have seen first-hand the powerful impact that support can bring to young people’s lives and I’m honoured to be able to play a part in that for a charity that inspires such loyal support. My focus is on the whole system around people to ensure they can bring everything to their role. I can’t wait to meet the team and start building a new approach that enables people to feel connected, committed and valued to drive social change.”
 
Michelle takes up her position on 6th April 2020 and will be based in the charity’s national office in London. In the current climate the induction process will be done remotely.
 
“It’s going to be a strange experience joining a team without getting to meet people face to face. As someone who is fundamentally passionate about people, this will be challenging! Once I am able, I will be out visiting as many of the charity’s work settings as I can.”