Upbeat Communities is delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Lee as its new Chief Executive Officer. This is an exciting new chapter in our journey, as we continue to grow and strengthen our impact in supporting refugees to thrive in the UK. Jonathan brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep compassion for those rebuilding their lives, and a track record of leadership that aligns closely with our vision and values.

Jonathan has previously worked with refugees and asylum seekers overseas, and has spent the last 10 years leading the team at InHope Bristol. We look forward to welcoming him to Upbeat in a few weeks’ time, as he leads us in our continued commitment to see every refugee able to thrive as they rebuild their lives.

Dave Priestley, Chair of Trustees, shared,

“On behalf of the Upbeat Trustee Board, I am delighted that Jonathan has accepted the offer to join Upbeat Communities as the charity's next CEO. He brings a wealth of directly relevant experience and a wide-ranging skillset to lead Upbeat forward into a new season. We are excited to see Jonathan embrace new challenges to continue to bring about the best outcomes for the communities Upbeat serves. The current public-facing challenges in the refugee sector will require the utmost focus and diligence, embracing Jonathan's qualities, to influence the charity's strategic development.”

Jonathan shared,

“I am delighted to be joining Upbeat Communities and look forward with excitement. Having previously led an organisation that served asylum seekers and refugees in an overseas context, meeting participants and the team at Upbeat reignited my passion to empower those who have been displaced to thrive and contribute in their new communities. This is what I see Upbeat doing and seeking to do more of.

Everything that is ahead for Upbeat Communities is testament to the work, dedication and passion of my predecessors: Andrew Jackson on whose shoulders I will stand, and founder Karina Martin. I pray that I can build upon their legacy.”

We are excited to welcome Jonathan to the Upbeat family in a new season for Upbeat, one where we can build on strong foundations and explore fresh ways of supporting those we serve. Jonathan will officially start the role at the end of October, and we look forward to introducing him to our wider community of volunteers, participants, supporters and partners.

As we prepare to say goodbye to our current CEO, Andrew Jackson, we want to acknowledge the incredible work he has put in over several years of leadership and commitment to Upbeat Communities. Andrew has led the team excellently through a time of worldwide turbulence (COVID-19, cost-of-living crisis, and multiple humanitarian crises), and through extraordinary growth in recent years, during which the staff team has increased from 6 to an overall workforce of over 80. We are deeply grateful for all Andrew has contributed and wish him every success for the future.

As an exciting new chapter takes place for Upbeat, one thing remains the same in our community: we are united in our commitment to ensuring every refugee we serve is empowered to thrive and find belonging in the East Midlands.

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