THE Chester Bluecoat Charity, thought to be the city's longest standing charity, has appointed a chief executive.

Mike Jenkins will help the charity in its quest to make the biggest positive impact possible for people in Chester and surrounding areas. Mike’s appointment is highly significant as it is a newly created role which will strengthen the much-needed work of the charity, as it helps to fight the causes of poverty and inequality.

He will be responsible for developing and driving the strategy of The Chester Bluecoat Charity, whilst effectively managing the charity’s resources and being a motivational leader to the dedicated team. The charity say the creation of the Chief Executive role will enable it to support more organisations in and around Chester.

Based in the historic Bluecoat Building, on Upper Northgate Street, the charity awards grants to local organisations that improve lives, provides much needed almshouse accommodation to people in need and leases affordable office space to local charities and voluntary organisations.

Mr Jenkins joins the charity with over 20 years’ experience as a senior executive in multinationals and brings great sector insight into the role, having been the chief executive of Cheshire charity Changing Lives Together for over three years.

Neil Davies, chair of the trustees of The Chester Bluecoat Charity, said: "I am delighted to welcome Mike to the charity to steer the vision for the future of the charity. After a rigorous selection process and a strong field of candidates, Mike was appointed by the board as he demonstrated an excellent understanding of the sector in which we work, the priorities to take the charity forward and where we can find opportunities to help us grow our grant giving budget."

Mike adds: "I am excited to be joining The Chester Bluecoat Charity at a crucial moment when their support has never been more needed thanks to the impact of COVID in our community and many more turning to charities for help.

"I am committed to helping build upon the solid foundations of this long-standing charity to help steer a positive future, helping as many as possible experiencing inequality within the city of Chester and surrounding areas. I am looking forward to spearheading the efforts of the charity and hope to work in a more coordinated, connected and collaborative way with partners to ensure we reduce poverty in our community."

The Chester Bluecoat Charity supported 13 local organisations in 2022, with grants ranging from £500 to £19,000. The grant giving program runs on an ongoing open basis throughout the year and welcomes applications from organisations who are trying to make an impact in the local communities where it will truly count.

Applicants wishing to receive funding can visit: https://thechesterbluecoatcharity.co.uk/grant-giving/ to find out more information about the charity and how it awards funds.