"At a time when so many parents are struggling, I want to help champion a mission that brings not just practical support, but hope, dignity and a sense of belonging."

Little Village is delighted to announce the appointment of former Marks & Spencer finance director Sally Harris as Chair of its Board of Trustees.

Sally brings extensive board-level leadership, charity governance and financial expertise to the role, having spent more than 20 years in senior finance and commercial positions. Most recently, she served as Finance Director for Clothing & Home at Marks & Spencer.

Alongside her executive career, Sally has built a strong track record in the charity sector. She currently chairs the Board of Princess Alice Hospice and is a Trustee of the Education for Industry Group. Her previous trustee roles include serving as Trustee and Chair of the Finance & Risk Committee at RNID, and Co-Chair and Treasurer of Fertility Network UK. Sally is also an accredited executive coach.

Sally joins Little Village at a time when increasing numbers of families are turning to our baby banks for support with essential items for babies and young children.

From small beginnings in 2016, Little Village now supports families in every London borough and is currently developing a strategy focused on further expansion to meet the significant demand from families with babies and young children in the capital.

Sally succeeds Olivia Gillan, whose term of office is ending after serving on the Little Village Board of Trustees since 2018, including over five years as Chair.

Sally Harris, incoming Chair of the Board of Trustees at Little Village, said: “I’m honoured to become Chair of Little Village because I’ve seen the extraordinary difference the charity makes for families facing hardship. Little Village is built on a simple but powerful belief – that that every child deserves the best possible start in life, regardless of the challenges their family may be facing.

“At a time when so many parents are struggling, I want to help champion a mission that brings not just practical support, but hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. I’m excited to help build on Little Village’s impact and ensure that even more families can access the support and community they deserve.”

Kate Husselbee, Chair of the People Committee who led the recruitment process, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sally who brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, financial expertise and deep experience of governance across the charity and commercial sectors. As demand for our support continues to grow, her experience, insight and commitment will be invaluable in helping us to scale up and reach even more families.

A huge Little Village thank you to Olivia

Kate continued: “I would also like to thank Olivia for her outstanding contribution to Little Village. Olivia has helped shape the organisation we are today, guiding us through a period of significant growth and development as we expanded our network of hubs, strengthened the support we provide to families and developed new ways of operating – we are enormously grateful for everything she has done for Little Village.”