Gingerbread, the leading national charity working with single parent families, is delighted to welcome Simon Bentley in his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Simon replaces Gingerbread’s Interim Chair, Fran Parry.

Simon brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked at Board level with many UK listed public companies, he has also held a wide variety of executive and non-executive roles during the course of his career.

Simon is currently Executive Chair of Dominion ATM Banking Systems Ltd, trading as Cash on the Move, a UK mobile cash operator and a Non-Executive Director of Premier Foods plc. Among his previous appointments he was Chair and Chief Executive of Blacks Leisure Group plc from 1987 to 2002, Deputy Chair of law firm Mishcon de Reya from 2002 to 2009 and Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of Sports Direct International plc from 2007 to 2018. He is Financial Conduct Authority certified, having previously been a senior partner at Landau Morley LLP.

Gingerbread Chair, Simon Bentley, said:

“I am delighted to join Gingerbread and the wonderful team of people that make their valuable work possible. My experience over many years, combined with my positions as chair of various organisations, has given me first hand insight into the challenges and devastating impact of social injustice on the most vulnerable in our society.

“I hope to be of support to the management team to help them realise their ambitions for the charity and its beneficiaries, widening the scope of support and those who can benefit from it.”

Simon will be supported by the newly appointed Vice Chair, Jasmin Choudhury. Jasmin has been a Gingerbread Board Member since July 2019. Currently, she works as a freelance education consultant and is a former deputy headteacher and also advises on various public sector panels.

Jasmin Choudhury said:

“Being a single parent is not means-tested and single parents all too often suffer from a combination of financial, emotional and time poverty as well as social stigma and more. Single parents face many challenges and it can be overwhelming for many, no matter what their background. It is a hidden inequality that is not often fully understood or acknowledged.

“I am humbled, proud and committed to serve Gingerbread and improve the lives single parents and their families. I believe that the most vulnerable people in society deserve the best support and advice – so that they can succeed, whatever their circumstances.”

Victoria Benson, Chief Executive of Gingerbread said:

“Gingerbread’s work supporting single parents across the country has never been more important. I look forward to working with Simon and further strengthening Gingerbread’s position as the leading charity working with single parent families. The Covid pandemic has had a huge impact on single parents, with life changing financial, emotional and practical implications for so many. Gingerbread has seen a big increase in demand for its services and support and remains committed to helping single parents to thrive as well as challenging stigma and stereotypes.”

Simon will take on the role from outgoing Gingerbread Chair Fran Parry who has added her message of support:

“I am delighted that the Gingerbread Board has appointed Simon Bentley as its new Chair. Simon has an incredible wealth of commercial and charity experience. He is superbly placed to lead Gingerbread forward as we explore, design and implement new ways of reaching the significant numbers of single parents who need our services and support.”