Oppenheim named as Early Intervention Foundation chief

Carey Oppenheim, who was a special adviser to Blair at the Number 10 policy unit when he was Prime Minister, will take up her post at the new organisation in mid-June.

Oppenheim will spearhead the organisation’s efforts to persuade government, local authorities and other agencies to boost investment in early intervention programmes for children and families.

The foundation also aims to create a standard of evidence for early intervention work and provide advice and guidance.

Oppenheim, who is also a former director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, currently works as a teacher of history and politics at an inner London school and as a freelance policy and research consultant.

Oppenheim said the organisation would “campaign and work with others to improve the lives of children and families for generations to come”. 

“The Early Intervention Foundation provides a unique opportunity to combine advocacy, top quality evidence and working with practitioners on the ground to help make change happen,” she said.

“I have spent the majority of my adult life leading and shaping debates on social and economic policy, childcare and early years strategy, child poverty and welfare reform, and my driving force has always been to ensure they can be translated into making a positive impact on people’s lives.”

While announcing Oppenheim’s appointment, the foundation also confirmed its present interim head of evidence, Leon Feinstein, would take on the position permanently.

Feinstein has until now combined the interim position with his role as chief analyst at the Cabinet Office’s implementation unit.

MP Graham Allen, who championed the formation of the foundation and is now its chair of trustees, said: “Having two such high-calibre professionals leading the work of the foundation sends the important signal that we are determined to deliver on our ambitious programme of work.

“By supporting the development of social and emotional skills in every baby, child and young person we can help break the intergenerational cycle of dysfunction, reduce the cost to the taxpayer and strengthen local communities.”

The Early Intervention Foundation was awarded £3.5m of funding over two years from the Department for Education.

An analysis of local government funding undertaken by CYP Now in February revealed that government funding on early intervention for 2013/14 was down by 11 per cent on the amount provided through the early intervention grant in 2012/13.