Press Release

 

FNF Appoints Geoff Fielding as First Chief Executive Officer

 

Families Need Fathers is pleased to announce the appointment of Geoff Fielding as its first full-time, professional chief executive (photo attached). Joining FNF after 25 years in the mental health and charity sectors, Mr Fielding will be responsible for the administration and organisation of FNF's many programmes and activities that aim to keep both parents involved in their children's lives after family separation. He will also play leading roles in FNF's fund-raising, policy advocacy, research, publishing and communications activities.

After beginning his career in the mental health field, Mr Fielding moved to charity work. For the past 11 years, he has served as CEO of London-based charity Stopover, which provided accommodation and a broad range of support to homeless young people.

"My move to FNF was prompted by a number of factors," Mr Fielding said. "The job as FNF’s first CEO will be a very real challenge at a time when the issues of family breakdown, shared parenting and children’s rights are at last receiving the attention they deserve.  An organisation such as FNF that works to provide information and support to people experiencing the trauma of a family breakdown, whilst campaigning to change the 'winner-takes-all' approach inherent in the legal process, is one I am extremely keen to work for.”

Mr Fielding's appointment was made possible by a Capacity Building grant awarded by the Department for Education and  Skills.

Families Need Fathers’ chair John Baker said “We are immensely looking forward to Geoff bringing us into a new era, underpinning a volunteer–led organisation with a professional management and support structure.  We think his experience as the first Chief Executive at Stopover will provide particularly relevant and helpful experience.”

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Note for editors :

Families Need Fathers(FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents. Founded in 1975, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.

Please see Families Need Fathers ‘programme for change’ Father’s Day Manifesto