Caroline Abrahams joins Kinship as Chair of Trustees

Kinship is delighted to announce Caroline Abrahams as Chair of Trustees, providing strategic leadership at Kinship to transform the lives of kinship families.

Caroline brings a wealth of experience as Charity Director at Age UK, the national charity for older people, and co-chair of the Care and Support Alliance which brings together 60+ charities campaigning for good adult social care for all. She spent the first half of her career working in policy for children, young people and families. This included being an adviser to Ed Balls in the Department for Children, Schools and Families, where she focused on children’s social care, family policy and child poverty, as well as previously working for the Local Government Association and Action for Children. She was also chair of the End Child Poverty campaign. Caroline was awarded a CBE in 2021 for services to older people and to the voluntary sector.

Caroline Abrahams will lead Kinship’s Board of Trustees which includes Julian Young (treasurer), James Baker, Dr Beverley Barnett-Jones, Fran Boughton, Joe Corry-Roake, Prof. Elaine Farmer, Janet Kay and Yvette Stanley.

Find out more about our Board of Trustees.

Reflecting on her appointment, Caroline said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Kinship as Chair of Trustees at this pivotal time for kinship care.  It’s a privilege to be able to support such a vibrant charity and I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Trustees and with Kinship’s excellent CEO, Senior Leadership Team and staff, to help realise our ambitious vision for kinship care in England and Wales, one where all kinship families are supported, valued and recognised.

“I’m also really looking forward to listening to and working with the kinship carers associated with the charity as volunteers, staff members, supporters and campaigners, who generously share their lived experience and insight to help bring about change. Truly, they are the charity’s greatest asset. 

“There’s a real sense at present that kinship care’s time has come, with policymakers increasingly recognising the huge contribution it can make to promoting the best interests of children and young people. But there’s still work to do in ensuring every kinship carer feels properly supported in carrying out their role, and I hope I can help the charity to bring about lasting change in this respect, as well as in delivering on its vital role of providing information, advice and direct support to kinship carers.”

Dr Lucy Peake, Chief Executive at Kinship warmly welcomed the appointment:

“We’re thrilled to have Caroline joining Kinship’s Board. She brings a wealth of experience in charity leadership, policy and influencing which will be invaluable in steering our next 5-year strategy to make even greater change happen for kinship families. I’m really looking forward to working with her and all our Trustees to continue to grow our impact and serve our powerful community of kinship carers.”