Home-Start UK’s chief executive is to step down to take up a senior role at Citizens Advice.

Peter Grigg, who joined Home-Start in January 2020, will leave in April to take up the role of director of partnerships and advocacy at Citizens Advice.

Home-Start UK said that during Grigg’s leadership, the number of families supported increased from 26,000 to 58,850 and the charity’s annual income rose from £2.5m to £3.8m.

“Under Peter’s leadership, the Home-Start federation developed its first ever federation-wide strategic framework, inspiring expansion of work to families and a deeper focus on equity and inclusion in providing practical and emotional support to families across the UK,” the charity said.

Vivien Waterfield, Home-Start UK’s deputy chief executive, will act as interim chief until a permanent appointment is made.

Grigg said: “It has been a great privilege over the past five years to have been part of this movement, working with incredible and dedicated staff and volunteers across the country. The stories of Home-Start’s impact will stay with me.

“I’m honoured to have offered leadership during a global pandemic and in our 50th anniversary year. I’m particularly proud of work we’ve done to strengthen our federation, enhance focus on equity, equality, diversity and inclusion, raise public profile and build exciting partnerships, and renew foundations around quality assurance, safeguarding and governance.”

Lin Hinnigan, chair of Home-Start UK, said: “I am sure the entire Home-Start network will join me in thanking Peter for his incredible hard work and dedication over the past five years. 

“With the backing of our incredibly committed and supportive funders and donors, under Peter’s leadership Home-Start UK has been transformed.”

She added that Grigg had been “instrumental in helping strengthen our national movement, helping Home-Starts in local communities come together to achieve greater impact to reach more families than ever”.

Hinnigan said: “It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Peter but he should be proud of what he has helped Home-Start to achieve.”