Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) is the national charity working to improve services and systems for people facing multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, mental ill health, substance use, and contact with the criminal justice system.
Operating across more than 50 local areas in England, MEAM supports cross-sector partnerships to design coordinated, person-centred responses through its evidence-based MEAM Approach. With a strong focus on equity, co-production, and systemic change, MEAM works alongside practitioners, policymakers, and people with lived experience. Now an independent charity, MEAM has a dedicated team and a committed board, positioning it for long-term impact and national influence.
Context.
Following its transition to an independent charity in early 2025, MEAM entered a new chapter that required bold, strategic leadership at board level. With a stable and committed board already in place, the organisation sought a new Chair to support its long-term sustainability, strengthen governance, and guide MEAM through a period of evolution and growth with a strong focus on diversifying income streams to future-proof its funding model. As MEAM builds its independent identity and amplifies its national influence, the incoming Chair would need to offer both support and constructive challenge to the CEO, while maintaining board engagement and accountability. Strong political understanding, governance expertise, and a passion for systemic change were key to ensuring the charity remained focused, resilient, and responsive to the needs of people facing multiple disadvantage.
Brief.
Peridot was tasked with securing an experienced and values-driven leader to guide the organisation through a critical phase of development. Expertise in charity governance, legal structures, and financial oversight, particularly across both commercial and grant-funded growth, was essential. Candidates needed a deep understanding of policy-making, systems leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. The role required emotional intelligence, strategic insight, and a genuine commitment to MEAM’s intersectional approach to addressing multiple disadvantage. Familiarity with the challenges of homelessness, mental ill health, substance misuse, and the criminal justice system was highly desirable, as was experience in building stakeholder partnerships and advocating at both local and national levels. The search was UK-wide, with a focus on candidates who could bring fresh ideas, drive innovation, and act as an ambassador for MEAM’s vital mission.
Outcome.
MEAM appointed an accomplished executive and non-executive leader with over 25 years of experience across the public and not for profit sectors. From seven applications, five candidates were longlisted, with a diverse pool targeted across sectors. The inclusive and rigorous process ensured MEAM found a Chair with both the experience and personal commitment to guide the organisation forward. With a strong background in organisational leadership, strategic transformation and inclusion, the newly appointed Chair brings a deep alignment with MEAM’s mission and a thoughtful, values-driven approach to board leadership. Their experience on intersectionality and disadvantage complements MEAM’s focus on systemic change, and their coaching-led, collaborative style is ideally suited to supporting the CEO and engaging the Board.
“I had a wonderful experience working with Peridot to secure a non-executive Chair role. Their consultant, Clare, was genuinely interested in me and offered practical advice to help me at both the application and interview stages, which enabled me to overcome my nerves and bring the best version of myself at all times. I highly recommend Peridot for both role-seekers and employers, and they will certainly be my first choice going forward. Professional, knowledgeable, kind and engaged – everything that is needed from a good recruitment agency.”
Placed candidate.
“Clare and the team at Peridot Partners have provided excellent support in our recent searches for a Chair and new Trustees. They quickly understood our needs and were able to draw together a fantastic pool of relevant and committed candidates, resulting in focused interviews and great appointments.”
Oliver Hilbery, Chief Executive.
