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Elizabeth Finn Care announces new Chief Executive

Immediate Release:  12 April 2010

Major General Matthew Sykes has been appointed the new Chief Executive of award-winning Elizabeth Finn Care, following the retirement of Jonathan Welfare after eleven years at the helm of the organisation.

Matthew Sykes joined the Royal Artillery in 1975 before rising to be its Director as a Brigadier.  In the same rank he served in Germany with NATO’s Rapid Reaction Corps, as Director Corporate Communications for the British Army, and he was the last Deputy Commander of the NATO Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Upon promotion to Major General, after further operational duty in Kosovo, he has, since August 2007, served as the Defence Services Secretary in the Royal Household of the Sovereign and in the Ministry of Defence and in January 2009 he became in addition the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel).

Richard Down, Chairman of Elizabeth Finn Care said: “I am delighted that Matthew Sykes is joining us to take up the role of Chief Executive of Elizabeth Finn.  The organisation is at an exciting stage in its evolution, and we are all very much looking forward to working with Matthew, with the range of skills, experience and leadership that he brings to the role.”

Richard Down also paid tribute to what Jonathan Welfare has accomplished during his time as CEO. “Jonathan has led the charity at a time of significant change, including our name change from the Distressed Gentlefolk’s Aid Association to Elizabeth Finn, and a change in culture, to put the charity on course for the 21st century. Jonathan has overseen the formation of Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited and the establishment of Turn2us, and his quiet diplomacy and resolute leadership are greatly appreciated and respected by all.”

Elizabeth Finn Care now comprises three interlinked operations – Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited, it’s charity Elizabeth Finn Care and the Turn2us website and helpline service.

Speaking after his appointment, Matthew Sykes said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed to be the new Chief Executive of Elizabeth Finn Care. Upon leaving the Army I was very keen to join an organisation whose purpose is to improve the lot of others and be involved in something where I can contribute to society.  Following its merger with the innovative Turn2us, and building on the success of its existing Homes and care for those in need, this is an organisation that faces an exciting future and I can’t wait to get started.”

Matthew Sykes will take up his role as Chief Executive at the end of May, following completion of his current duties.

For information, photographs and interviews, please contact:

Kellie Smith, Senior Press Officer. Telephone: 020 8834 9263. Mobile: 07783 435 746. Kellie.smith@elizabethfinn.org.uk Hythe House, 200 Shepherds Bush Road, London, W6 7NL.

Notes to Editors:

  • Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity that supports people struggling to cope with sudden or unexpected changes in their circumstances.

  • In 2008/2009 over 3000 British and Irish citizens were given grants totalling £4million by Elizabeth Finn Care.

  • Turn2us was founded by Elizabeth Finn Care in 2007, and merged into Elizabeth Finn Care in October 2009. Turn2us helps people in financial need access the money available to them – from welfare benefits, grants and other financial help – through its comprehensive website (www.turn2us.org.uk) and freephone helpline.

  • Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Elizabeth Finn Care and operates 10 care homes across England.

  • The Charity has won many awards including the Investing in Volunteers Award in 2009 and the Third Sector Excellence Award 2008 for Innovation in Grant Making (Elizabeth Finn Care), The Helpline Association Quality Standards Accreditation and the Shaw Trust and Plain English Accreditation both in 2009 (Turn2us) as well as numerous awards for its Homes.