The child poverty charity The Childhood Trust has appointed Josephine McCartney as its next chief executive. 

McCartney, who has spent the past eight years as chief executive of the Kent Community Foundation, succeeds Laurence Guinness, who left in July after almost eight years to take up the top job at Variety, the Children’s Charity. 

Before joining the Kent Community Foundation, McCartney was director of fundraising and communications at the Imperial College Healthcare Charity for three years.

Grant Gordon, chair and founder of The Childhood Trust, which supports 390,000 children across all 33 London boroughs by funding and delivering programmes that address their practical and emotional needs, said McCartney’s track record and dedication made her an “exceptional choice” for the role. 

“Josephine’s passion for helping children and young people aligns with our mission to ensure that every child in London has a happy, healthy and safe future that prepares them for life,” he said. 

“Her leadership will be invaluable as we tackle the challenges facing disadvantaged children to break the cycle of poverty.”

McCartney said she was thrilled to be taking up the role. 

“I am excited to work with our charity partners to see how much more we can achieve together,” she said. 

“Children living in poverty across the capital is increasing, and I believe there is much more we can do in collaboration with other funders in London to address this.”

Neha Mahendru, one of The Childhood Trust’s board members, has been interim chief executive since Guinness moved on. 

McCartney will take up her new role next month.