Former JLC and Norwood chiefs join Camp Simcha board of trustees

The former chief executives of two leading communal organisations will help steer a charity supporting seriously ill children.

Simon Johnson, who recently departed as head of the Jewish Leadership Council will join Norwood’s former chief, Elaine Kerr, on the Board of Trustees at Camp Simcha.

Kerr brings a background in health and social care, having held numerous key positions in the NHS and third sector. Johnson spent seven years at the helm of the JLC, growing the organisation, and leading it through communal challenges, including the Labour antisemitism row.

Chair of Trustees at Camp Simcha, Julian Taylor said he was “thrilled” to have them on board “with the breadth and depth of experience they bring”.

“We welcome both Simon’s strategic vision and detailed grasp of the Jewish charity sector, along with Elaine’s in-depth understanding of services and the health and social care sector.

The appointment comes after Allison Kanter stepped down from the charity after ten years on the board.

Elaine Kerr said: “For many years I have worked alongside Camp Simcha with a growing respect and admiration for the empathetically supportive and unrivalled work it undertakes. I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to its future, and the icing on the cake will be working again with the extremely talented Simon Johnson.”

Johnson, who is now chair of the Rugby Football League, said he has “supported the charity for over a decade and look forward to helping them drive forward their strategy so they can provide even more support, making a difference to families with seriously ill children.”