Top Award for Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Chief Executive

Julia Unwin's award was presented at a ceremony hosted by comedienne Jo Brand in the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's West End.

Debby Ounsted, Chair of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, said: "This award reflects not only what Julia Unwin has done while at the JRF and JRHT, but a remarkable record of achievement throughout her career as well. At JRF Julia's leadership has been outstanding. She has sharpened our strategic focus and effectiveness, and really improved the way our research side and our practical housing and care side learn from and work with each other."

Julia Unwin was a member of the Housing Corporation Board for ten years and a Charity Commissioner from 1998-2003. The former Deputy Chair of the Food Standards Agency from 2003-2006, she has also worked as an independent consultant operating within government and the voluntary and corporate sectors. She has researched and written extensively on the role, governance and funding of the voluntary sector. Previously she held a position as chair of the Refugee Council. She is now a trustee of York Museums and Gallery Trust and a member of the University of York’s Council.

Julia Unwin said: "To receive an award of this sort is such privilege, but the real privilege has been the opportunity to work with such exceptional and important organisations. The impact of the recession will continue to have a profound effect on us all, in this country and throughout the world. We must all do what we can to ensure the poorest do not have to pay the price."

Daniel Phelan, organiser of the Charity Awards 2010 said: "The variety and sheer number of influential roles Julia Unwin has held over the course of her career is astonishing and it's hard to overstate the impact that her work has had on social policy in the UK.

"Her indomitable spirit, boundless energy and passion for social justice have driven an impressive range of important causes and issues and helped improve the lives of many people throughout the UK.

"I am delighted Julia has been awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award. It is fitting recognition for an inspiring record of achievement and I extend my warmest congratulations to her."

Previous winners of this award include Andrew Hind, Victor Adebowale, Sir Roger Singleton and Baroness Jill Pitkeathley.