The maternity discrimination charity Pregnant Then Screwed has appointed Rachel Grocott as chief executive. 

Grocott, who has spent the past three years as chief executive of the period poverty charity Bloody Good Period, succeeds Joeli Brearley, who set up Pregnant Then Screwed in 2015 after experiencing pregnancy discrimination. 

Brearley stood down as chief executive in February but has continued to support the organisation as an ambassador. 

Grocott has spent seven years at BGP after joining in a part-time communications role when six months pregnant. She became chief executive in 2022.

She has worked in a variety of communications, fundraising and leadership roles at charities including Oxfam, World Animal Protection and the Forever Hounds Trust, where she was chief executive for almost five years.

Grocott said: “I’ve long admired Pregnant Then Screwed – it’s fierce, fearless and deeply committed to justice. 

“Joeli and her incredible team of staff, volunteers and supporters have built something extraordinary, and it’s an honour to continue this fight after her. 

“We need a system working for parents, not against them, and I’m here to build something better for everyone.”

Sam Smethers, chair of Pregnant Then Screwed, said Grocott was “exactly who we need” to lead the charity into its next chapter. 

“She brings deep experience in campaigning, systems change and feminist leadership,” said Smethers. 

“She’s led with guts, and keeps those most impacted at the centre of the work. Now, she brings that bold, no-nonsense energy to PTS – right when the fight for parents’ rights is getting even tougher.”

Pregnant Then Screwed triumphed in three categories at the Third Sector Awards in 2023.

Grocott will join the charity on 1 May.