Framework, the East Midlands charity working to tackle homelessness, has appointed a new chief executive at a time when demand for its services is greater than ever.
Claire McGonigle takes over as chief executive from 1 October. She succeeds Andrew Redfern who will retire at the end of 2025 after 29 years’ involvement in homelessness services in the East Midlands.
Claire is currently Framework’s deputy chief executive. She joined Framework in 2019 as corporate services director, becoming operations director in 2020 and deputy chief executive in 2023. Before joining Framework, Claire was with Action Housing and Support in South Yorkshire for ten years, nearly five of which were as chief executive.
Claire is taking on the leadership of a well-established organisation which offers supported housing, health services, employment support, and care services to more than 18,000 homeless and vulnerable people each year through 70 services across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Sheffield.
Framework is a registered charity and housing association that accommodates nearly 1,400 people at any one time, employs around 1,100 staff, and has an annual turnover of £60 million.
Claire said: “I’m honoured to be taking on the role, and to be following in Andrew’s footsteps. I’m very proud of the work that our staff and volunteers do.
“We’re seeing more and more need for our services at a time when public finances are stretched beyond measure. Charities have an important role to play, not just in the delivery of services but also in influencing future strategy and policy so that we can stem this rising tide of need.
“Ultimately our goal is to enable people to live healthy, safe and empowered lives, and that’s what I will be focusing on.”
Outgoing chief executive Andrew Redfern said: “Congratulations to Claire on her success. She has worked extremely hard for Framework over the past six years, including as Deputy Chief Executive for nearly three years, and will surely embrace this new challenge with the intelligence and efficiency that we have come to associate with her.
“I look forward to working closely with Claire over the next few months as we shape Framework’s future in partnership with the Board, our colleagues and service users.
“Framework faces many challenges but Claire has many great ideas to enhance Framework’s offer. I am confident that the organisation’s future is in good hands, not least because of the fantastic staff that Claire will be able to rely on.”
Chair of Framework’s board, Ruth Hawkins, said: “Board members conducted a rigorous selection and interview process to find our next chief executive with input from service users and staff. There was considerable interest in the role from external candidates.
“On behalf of my fellow board members I send congratulations to Claire and wish her well in her new role. She has set out a compelling vision for the future of the organisation and we look forward to supporting her to achieve it.”
