For immediate release: Thursday 6 March 2008
Julia Lewis named as new JRF/JRHT Director of Communications
Julia Lewis has this week been announced as the new Director of Communications for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT).
Formerly the Deputy Director of Policy Development & Communications, Julia Lewis originally joined the JRF as Head of Publishing in August 2000.
She began her career in the commercial publishing sector and prior to joining the organisation, she managed marketing at the University of Sheffield. Before that, she was Head of Publishing at Save the Children, Publishing Manager at the Child Poverty Action Group and Press & Information Officer for the African Medical & Research Foundation. She has also undertaken consultancy work in the higher education sector related to publishing and marketing.
She has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the World Development Movement and is currently a school governor in Leeds.
JRF Director Julia Unwin said: “The post attracted some very strong external candidates but it was clear to the recruiting panel that Julia Lewis was the best-placed person to lead and develop the department at this key time. I am sure she will do this with great flair, using her skills and talents to ensure that messages from our work have the impact they deserve.”
Julia Lewis said: “This is a hugely significant time for us. Next month we are unveiling the findings from our Social Evils initiative and we have just received detailed planning permission for a major new housing development in York. I am delighted to be confirmed as the new Director of Communications at such an exciting time in our history.”
The Communications Department includes the media, marketing, events, publishing, information and website functions.
Notes to Editors:
- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is one of the largest social policy research and development charities in the UK. Its purpose is to search, demonstrate and influence, providing evidence, solutions and ideas that will help overcome the causes of poverty, disadvantage and social evil.
- The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) is a housing association, managing around 2,000 homes in the City of York and surrounding areas. The JRHT also provides residential care services in York and other parts of the North East. It specialises in demonstrating new forms of tenure, meeting special needs and exploring new features of design. The JRHT is a key player in the development of the city of York – particularly in developing a 21st-century community at Derwenthorpe. It is also opening two new extra-care retirement villages in Hartlepool and Scarborough later in the year.
- Social Evils: In 2007 JRF launched a new enquiry into the nature of social evil in the 21st century. This has involved talking to the general public, to vulnerable groups of people whose voices often go unheard and to policy-makers, practitioners and leaders in the voluntary sector. The responses to the consultation are being analysed and later in the year the JRF plan to share the issues raised.
Issued by Nasreen Memon, JRF Head of Media Relations: 020 7278 9665 / 01904 615 919 / nasreen.memon@jrf.org.uk
