Introducing our new Chief Executive, Paola Uccellari
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Paola Uccellari as the new Chief Executive of Young Roots. Paola will lead Young Roots in developing our next strategic plan, establishing our policy, influencing and campaigning function and continuing to strengthen the organisation and our services for young people. Paola will build on the enormous achievements of Young Roots’ outgoing CEO, Jo Cobley, who grew the charity’s reach and impact enormously during her seven years in post.
Having held senior leadership roles at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), the Children’s Rights Alliance for England, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Law Society, Paola brings to the role impressive strategic leadership experience and a deep commitment to securing the rights of young refugees. She has extensive experience of successfully influencing law, policy and practice to advance human rights and of overseeing high quality services to improve outcomes for people who are at risk.
A message from Paola:
“It is an honour to have been appointed to lead the brilliant team at Young Roots and a privilege to work with the young people who drive everything we do. The ‘Illegal’ Migration Act has destroyed young people’s most basic rights to seek protection here, brought back draconian powers allowing children to be detained and made it more likely that they will be treated as adults and denied essential rights all children should have. In this brutal context, our work with young people, which supports them to navigate a hostile system, offers them opportunities and hope and, above all, shows them humanity, kindness and community, is more important than ever. The appalling situation facing the young people we work with means that Young Roots has a crucial role to play in changing the system, ensuring that young people’s experiences, views and needs are heard and acted upon by the policy-makers whose decisions shape their lives so fundamentally.”
A message from our Chair of Trustees, Grace Capel:
“We are delighted that Paola has joined Young Roots as Chief Executive. Paola’s impressive career history demonstrates her dedication to our mission of improving the wellbeing and life chances of young refugees. Paola will lead an exceptional staff team in continuing to provide high quality services and activities through our Advice and Support Hubs and vital Casework service. Her strategic leadership experience will be a huge advantage to Young Roots as we develop our plans for 2024 – 2027 and address the impact of the appalling ‘Illegal’ Migration Act. As we increase our focus on policy, influencing and campaigning, Paola’s expertise will help propel our work to change the broken systems that fail to support and protect young people seeking safety in the UK. I very much look forward to working with Paola in her new role”.