New Chair Appointed At Social Enterprise UK

Social Enterprise UK, the national body for social enterprises, have appointed Lord Victor Adebowale CBE as the new Chair.

Lord Adebowale is currently Chief Executive of Turning Point, a social enterprise providing specialist and integrated services which focus on improving lives and communities across mental health, learning disability, substance misuse, primary care, the criminal justice system and employment. A cross-bench peer, he is also on the boards of NHS England and the Co-operative Group. He was until recently the Chair of the London Fairness Commission which was set up to look at the growing inequalities within the capital.

Prior to joining Turning Point, Lord Adebowale was Chief Executive of youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. He was awarded a CBE in 2000 for services to the New Deal, the unemployed, and homeless young people. In 2001, he was appointed a cross bench member of the House of Lords.

Victor succeeds Claire Dove OBE who has served two terms as chair, originally taking up the role in 2008. Claire Dove is appointed as a patron of Social Enterprise UK, joining Baroness Thornton, Lord Bird and Mr David Gold. The term is for an initial three-year period.

We have an opportunity to redefine an economy based on business that matters to society and not just shareholder interests

Lord Victor Adebowale said:

“As someone who leads a social enterprise I am committed to the social enterprise movement. We have an opportunity to redefine an economy based on business that matters to society and not just shareholder interests.

Recent domestic and world events mean that the social enterprise model of doing business has never been more needed if we are to create the “inclusive economy”. I look forward to working with SEUK and am honoured to have been made their Chair. Together with SEUK, I am determined that we present the public with a clear view of what social enterprise can offer and the value it can add to the lives of individuals, and the communities in which they live.”

Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK said:

“We’re delighted that Victor will be taking up the position of Chair at Social Enterprise UK. He’s an outstanding entrepreneur, passionate about social justice and will bring a vast amount of insight and expertise to the role.

Victor will be joining us at what is a hugely exciting time for the social enterprise movement and for SEUK. Social enterprises are providing answers to the most pressing issues we’re facing from the crisis in social care to the building of a more equal economy that really works for everyone. Lord Victor’s knowledge, experience and vision will be invaluable in helping steer us through the coming years and in seizing the opportunities that exist.”