UK Youth Appoints Rosie Ferguson OBE as New CEO

UK Youth is delighted to announce the appointment of Rosie Ferguson OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer, from 26 August 2025.

Rosie brings over 15 years of senior leadership in the youth and charity sectors, having previously served as CEO of London Youth, Gingerbread, and The House of St Barnabas. She is also the former Chair of ACEVO and a former trustee of UK Youth (2012–2015).

Rosie Ferguson OBE, incoming CEO of UK Youth, said:
“I am excited to return to the youth sector and bring my energy and experience to champion young people and the opportunities they deserve. I look forward to working with young ambassadors, trustees, staff, partners, supporters and the whole UK Youth network.”

Rosie has a deep-rooted commitment to youth work, equity and impact, with a track record of leading organisational transformation, championing youth voice, and securing major partnerships. Her contributions to the sector were recently recognised with an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Charity and Charity Governance. Rosie’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for UK Youth as it continues to strengthen the youth sector and champion the power of youth work.  

Change in Board Leadership

Alongside this appointment, UK Youth announces a change in its board leadership. David Thomlinson will be stepping down as Chair of Trustees after five years of dedicated service. David has played a key role in shaping UK Youth’s strategy, providing steady leadership through growth and change, and ensuring we remain ambitious for young people.

Matt Price, current Vice Chair and Trustee since 2016, will succeed David as Chair of Trustees. Matt brings over 30 years of leadership experience in financial services and is the founder and CEO of 10th Bridge Consulting. His longstanding commitment to UK Youth and in-depth understanding of the charity’s strategic direction make him ideally placed to lead the board through its next phase.

David Thomlinson, Outgoing Chair, said:
“It’s been a true privilege to serve as Chair of UK Youth over the past five years. This organisation stands for something profoundly important – empowering young people and strengthening the youth sector. I’m incredibly proud of all that’s been achieved and confident that, under Matt’s leadership and with Rosie Ferguson at the helm, UK Youth will continue to grow in impact, ambition and relevance.”

Matt Price, Incoming Chair, said:
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair at such an exciting and pivotal time for UK Youth. I’ve seen first-hand the passion, resilience and potential at the heart of this organisation. I’m looking forward to working with our new CEO Rosie Ferguson, the board and wider team as we build on our momentum and push forward with our mission to champion youth work and create a fairer future for all young people.”

Nigel Mansell CBE, President of UK Youth, added:
“David has been an incredible supporter of UK Youth, and I’ve valued working alongside him. His leadership has helped the organisation grow in confidence and clarity, always with young people at the heart. I’m equally delighted to see Matt step into the role of Chair — his commitment to UK Youth is clear, and I know he’ll continue to drive the ambition and integrity that’s so vital to our work.”

Looking Ahead

These leadership changes come at a pivotal moment for UK Youth as the organisation continues to focus on building a more equitable system for young people, strengthening the youth sector, and expanding access to high-quality youth work across the UK.

UK Youth also extends its sincere thanks to Vicky Browning OBE, who has served as Interim CEO since November 2024. Vicky has brought focus, clarity and calm leadership through a period of transition, helping to set a strong foundation for the next phase of the charity. 

ENDS

About UK Youth

UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 9,000 youth organisations and nation partners, UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, see ukyouth.org

UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/our-programmes

For any additional information, or to request interviews with Rosie or Matt, please contact: Sarah Carr
Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications
Email: sarah.carr@ukyouth.org
Phone: 01425 546449
Website: www.ukyouth.org