After ten years at the helm of Clinks supporting voluntary organisations that work with people in the criminal justice system and their families, stalwart Anne Fox is standing down. 

Anne has led Clinks and the voluntary sector organisations it supports through a decade of unprecedented change and challenge including being a guiding light through the pressures of the pandemic. 

Mandy Mahil, Chair of Clinks, said:

“On behalf of the Clinks Board, I would like to thank Anne for a decade of exceptional leadership as our CEO. 

“Anne’s leadership through a time of huge change for the voluntary sector in criminal justice has been a lifeline for many organisations. 

“Navigating the toughest of times, including the pandemic and significant political change, Anne has championed the voluntary sector with passion and conviction, building the relationships and platforms to ensure the voices of our members have been heard by those in power.

“Anne has driven the sector forward with contributions that include acting as Deputy Chair of the seminal Farmer Review on family ties for people in prison; growing specialist networks within Clinks for organisations to support people affected by the justice system and most recently through informing the Government’s review of sentencing and on the Women’s Justice Board.

We wish her all the very best for the future.”

Anne Fox, CEO of Clinks, said:

“It’s been the best job I’ve ever had and although lots of it was hard I wouldn’t change a thing. 

The people in the voluntary organisations in this sector are some of the finest I’ve ever met and worked with. Their passion to give people the decency they deserve and the futures they possibly never dreamed of is clear to see. 

It’s been the honour of my professional life to call myself Clinks CEO and I’m so grateful to everyone I’ve worked with in the role.”

Paula Harriott, CEO of Clinks member, Unlock, said:

“Clinks plays such an important role in ensuring that the voices of voluntary organisations are heard. Much of this is down to the expert stewardship of Anne over the last 10 years. 

She has balanced being a determined friend and ally to the sector, whilst maintaining the ear of decision makers. She has always been in service to the sector, leading through her authenticity, demeanour and character. She has been a incredible champion of the involvement of people with lived experience in the work of the sector  and for that I am personally grateful.

Though she will be hugely missed, she leaves Clinks in a strong position to continue providing the sector with the support that it needs." 

Chris Leslie, CEO of Clinks member, Inside Out Support Wales, said:

“Anne's support over the years has been invaluable. As a new leader in the charity space, I sometimes found it quite daunting, and Anne was the first CEO I was able to call. 

For the past six years, she has been an amazing support system and a true champion of small, specialist organisations like my own. She is a true believer in the power of these organizations and has tirelessly advocated for their causes. Always positive and on hand to offer advice, she’s helped so many to thrive and continue delivering much-needed services in a difficult environment. 

“On account of Anne’s leadership, Clinks is in a brilliant position to strengthen its role advocating both for and with the sector."

Anne will stand down from the charity in March 2026.
The drive to recruit a new CEO is underway. 
 

Find out more 

Find out more about Clinks' CEO recruitment, led by Cadence Partners, here.

For media enquiries please contact Sam Julius, Clinks Director of National Influencing & Networks, on 07779 579830 or sam.julius@clinks.org.

About Clinks

Clinks is the national infrastructure charity dedicated to supporting voluntary organisations working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. We support, promote, and advocate for our members and the wider voluntary sector across England and Wales. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.

Our state of the sector research annually tells us that services are in increased demand and under increased pressure. Tell us your experiences by completing this year’s survey here. 

© Clinks, 2025

Registered office: 82A James Carter Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7DE 

Registered charity: 1074546 | Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales: 3562176