Nacro appoints Action for Children director as new chief

Jacob Tas, currently interim chief executive at Action for Children, will join Nacro in May.

Graham Beech, director of strategic development, will act as interim head once McDowell leaves to become HM chief inspector of probation on 17 February.

Tas joined Action for Children three years ago as executive director of operations before being promoted to deputy chief executive. He has been interim head of the charity since Dame Clare Tickell left last autumn.

Tas’s previous roles include director for England, the Prince's Trust, and human resources director at shipping firm Royal P&O Nedlloyd. He is also a trustee of War Child and has volunteered with Amnesty International.

Upon his appointment Tas said: “I am very excited to be joining Nacro, which does amazing work changing lives and reducing crime. I am very much looking forward to commencing my role and working with staff, trustees and the leadership team to deliver positive and real outcomes for individuals and communities across the board.”

Chair of Nacro board of trustees, Matthew Litobarski said: “Jacob brings a wealth of skills and experience from his previous roles at Action for Children and the Prince's Trust as well as his skills and experience in the private sector.”

McDowell moved to Nacro in 2009 from his role as governor of Brixton prison in south London, with the promise to give the charity a “louder voice”. Prior to that he was deputy governor of Feltham Young Offender Institution.