David Holmes

Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across England.

The charity has been building stronger families since 1869, and today works with over 45,000 families and children through 120 community-based services. Thousands more are supported with financial assistance through education and welfare grants programmes.

Family Action’s innovative services include early years care, help for children and families and adult mental health support. Reaching out to those in need, we strengthen families and communities, build skills and resilience and improve the life chances of children and adults.

David Holmes, who became chief executive of Family Action in March 2013, has senior management experience in children’s services in the voluntary sector, local government and central government, and was Chief Executive of BAAF from February 2006 to February 2013.

Before moving to local government as a Deputy Director of Children's Services, David directed the Child Protection, Adoption and Children’s Trusts divisions in the Department of Health and then the Looked After Children division in the Department for Education and Skills.

David was a member of the Government's Working Group on the Future of the Care Population and the Expert Working Groups on Private Fostering and Adoption. He has also served as an Adviser to the LGA on Children's Services.

David is Vice-Chair of Children England and a Trustee of Siblings Together. He began his career as a solicitor in private practice and then worked for several years in NHS management.