Christine gets top job at charity

Trustees of the Journalists’ Charity have appointed Christine Warwick (pictured) as the organisation’s new chair. Christine, who succeeds Ramsay Smith in the role, has spent a long career in and around the media in both newspaper journalism and public relations, having started out on the Southern Evening Echo.

Based in Wales, Christine represents the charity’s Welsh committee on the national council of trustees and is actively involved in the organisation of the annual Wales Media Awards.

On taking up her new role Christine said: “I feel very privileged to be selected as chair, and particularly at a time when the financial support the Journalists’ Charity provides for journalists in need is especially crucial because of the impact of the Covid pandemic on many in the industry.”

The charity’s CEO James Brindle has welcomed Christine to the role at what is a crucial time for journalism and the charity.

“Christine has been a passionate advocate for the charity and its unique offer during her time as a trustee, and I am very much looking forward to working together to do more to help journalists at this difficult time. I’d also like to express my thanks to Ramsay Smith for his time and support over the last two years – the charity and the industry owes Ramsay a great debt of gratitude for his tireless service over many years,” added James.

The Journalists’ Charity was founded by Charles Dickens in 1864 to help journalists and their dependants going through tough times. Today, the organisation remains committed to providing advice and support to individuals working across the industry, at a time when journalism has arguably never been more important to society.

As well as offering friendly help and guidance to journalists of all ages and backgrounds, the charity provides confidential advice, emergency support and financial assistance, often when there’s nowhere else to turn.

Paul Jones, former head of foundation training at PA Media continues in his role as deputy chair.