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Living Wage Foundation director steps down after decade of growth

Graham Griffiths, deputy director, will act as interim director following her departure, with support from Martha Crawford, assistant director. 

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Living Wage Foundation director steps down after decade of growth
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Katherine Chapman will step down as executive director of the Living Wage Foundation after 10 years to become CEO at Investors in People.

Chapman joined the Living Wage Foundation in 2016. 

During her time in charge, the organisation grew from a small team to a nationally recognised group, with over 16,000 employers now accredited. 

The Living Wage Foundation also launched Living Wage Places, Living Hours, Living Pensions and the Global Living Wage under her leadership.

She will leave at the end of April. 

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Graham Griffiths, deputy director, will act as interim director following her departure, with support from Martha Crawford, assistant director. 

Citizens UK will begin recruiting for a new executive director soon.

Chapman said: “Leading the Living Wage Foundation over the past decade has been an absolute privilege. 

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“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together — growing from a small team into a movement that now champions Living Wage Places, Living Hours, Living Pensions and the Global Living Wage.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have worked with such talented and committed colleagues across Citizens UK and the Living Wage Foundation, and with the inspiring employers, campaigners and partners who make this work possible. Thank you for everything you do.”

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Chapman added: “The movement is thriving, and I’m excited to see where it goes next. 

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“As I step into my role at Investors in People, I’m looking forward to continuing to make work better for everyone.”

Matthew Bolton, CEO and lead organiser of Citizens UK, said: “Katherine has led the Living Wage Foundation through a decade of extraordinary growth and impact, helping hundreds of thousands of people benefit from the real Living Wage, an achievement that will make a difference to families and communities for generations. 

“Under her strategic leadership and through her deep commitment to dignity at work, Katherine has strengthened both the Living Wage Foundation and Citizens UK as a whole. 

“We are hugely grateful for her contribution and excited to see her talents continue to shape the responsible employment field.”

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Matt Sparkes, chair of the Living Wage Foundation advisory council, said: “On behalf of the advisory council, I want to thank Katherine for her exceptional leadership over the past ten years. 

“She has steered the Foundation through significant change while staying true to its core mission of ensuring that work pays enough to live on.

“The strength of the movement today is testament to her clarity of vision and commitment to collaboration with employers, campaigners and partners across the country.”

Chapman will start as CEO of Investors in People in June.

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