Jeremy Isaacs CBE, Chair of Trustees for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, will be stepping down from his role in April, having served as a Trustee since 2009 and Chair of Trustees since 2017. He was introduced to the charity by his wife Joanne who was one of the first of the charity’s home support volunteers. He will become the charity’s Honorary Life Chair and will be spending the coming months working closely with his successor, James Tugendhat to ensure a seamless transition.
In his time as Chair, Jeremy oversaw the scoping, fundraising and build of the magnificent, state of the art £10m building that is now home to Noah’s Ark. Back in 2012, Jeremy and the leadership team had the foresight to buy the land and went out to the construction industry, families, the health sector, and a whole series of private and third sector organisations, appealing for their help.
Over the years, Jeremy has introduced a vast network of individual philanthropists and corporate supporters to Noah’s Ark and has played an invaluable role in leading the Board and championing the charity. Key highlights include the Building the Ark Campaign, including the first major donor gala dinner at The Tower of London and the recent 36-hour campaigns that raised over £2m on each occasion. Since opening The Ark, over 350 children in north and central London, and their families, have been supported each year, within the community and at The Ark. It’s an extraordinary legacy thanks to Jeremy’s vision, commitment, fundraising efforts and personal support over the years.
He is succeeded by James Tugendhat, Chief Executive Officer of HC-One, the UK’s largest care home provider. James has served on several boards over the years and is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. He also brings an excellent understanding of the challenges and dynamics of the health care industry, having spent over 20 years in leadership roles at Bupa and Health Dialog and now at HC-One.
Commenting on his appointment, James said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Noah’s Ark and have huge admiration for the extraordinary work of my predecessor, Jeremy Isaacs. The care and services Noah’s Ark provides are truly exemplary and the leadership team’s ambitions for the future are really exciting. I look forward to supporting Sophie Andrews (CEO) and the team as we grow and support the children and families in our care to make the most of every day.”
Reflecting on his time as trustee and chair of the charity, Jeremy said:
“It has been an absolute honour to support Noah’s Ark over the past 13 years. What has been achieved in our short history is extraordinary. I have full confidence in James in leading the board and supporting Sophie and her team in the coming years. I am delighted to have been asked to become Noah’s Ark’s Honorary Life Chair and will continue to be a friend to and supporter of the charity.”
