The policy director at the think tank Pro Bono Economics is to take up the same post at the Lloyds Bank Foundation. 

Nicole Sykes, who has spent the past four years at PBE, has been appointed director of policy, communications and research at the foundation. 

She joined PBE to help deliver the Law Family Commission on Civil Society, a two-year initiative that examined how the potential of civil society could be unlocked across the UK.

Sykes, who previously worked for organisations including the CBI and Microsoft, succeeds Duncan Shrubsole, who became chief executive of the homelessness Martin-in-the-Fields Charity in June.

She said: “I’ve had the privilege of spending the past few years learning and experiencing the strengths and challenges of the charity sector, and its enormous potential. 

“This role is an opportunity to put that experience at the service of the sector and the people it helps in a new and bigger way, to make a greater impact through the foundation’s approach of funding, development and influencing.

“I’m excited to work closely with small charities across England and Wales and discover how the foundation’s resources can deliver change, bringing people together across the economy to build connections and a culture of compassion across our communities.”

Matt Hyde, who joined the foundation as chief executive last month, said: “With a new government and new administration in Wales, amplifying and championing the voices of small and local charities and those facing complex issues and barriers is crucial.

“We have an important story to tell, which we need to communicate to the public as well as opinion-formers, and Nicole’s experience in the private, public and voluntary sectors, combined with her passion for helping people and communities, will be a huge asset to our team and to driving our ambitions forward.”

Sykes will join the foundation on 2 January.