Coram has announced Lydia Hodges as its new Head of Coram Family and Childcare. Lydia joins the charity on 22 January.
Lydia joins from the Actors’ Children’s Trust where she was Head of Family Support, and previously led services at several charities, including the National Autistic Society, where she worked for 12 years and her passion for supporting children and families began.
Coram Family and Childcare, part of the Coram Group of children’s charities, works to make the UK a better place for families by bringing together learnings from its on-the-ground parent-led programmes and its leading research to campaign for solutions that parents want and need. The charity publishes definitive data on the issues families face, including its annual Childcare Survey which is the most widely used source of information on the costs and availability of childcare in the UK.
Lydia will lead this work to deliver Coram Family and Childcare’s goal of making sure all children can access high quality and affordable childcare.
Lydia Hodges said: “I am delighted to be joining Coram Family and Childcare, particularly at such a pivotal time for childcare and early years. The spotlight is now on childcare like never before, with a unique opportunity for change. I look forward to leading the charity’s important work and making sure that opportunity translates into equal access to high quality childcare for all children and families.”
Dr Carol Homden, CEO of Coram, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lydia to lead Coram Family and Childcare in what is a crucial time for the sector, as we prepare for the roll-out of the welcome extension to childcare support. Lydia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, building on the outstanding work of the team, to lead the charity through this next chapter and effect positive change for children and families.”