City Year UK appoints Victoria Head as Chief Executive Officer

We are delighted to announce that Victoria Head will join City Year UK at the beginning of August as Chief Executive Officer. Victoria joins the charity at an exciting point in its development, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across education, employability, skills development, youth services, and the social impact sector.

Her appointment comes as City Year UK looks to build on its impact and reach more children and young people, supporting them to achieve their full potential through its programmes.

Throughout her career, Victoria has focused on creating opportunities that enable young people and communities to thrive. She has a strong track record of leading large-scale transformation programmes, securing and managing multi-million-pound contracts, and building strategic partnerships across government, education, and the voluntary sector. Her expertise spans workforce development, social mobility, and systems change, with a consistent focus on improving outcomes for young people. Her experience in leading organisational growth, developing strategic partnerships and delivering impact at scale makes her exceptionally well placed to lead City Year UK into its next chapter.

Prior to joining City Year UK, Victoria served as Strategic Director for Learning, Skills and Employability at Catch22, leading a national portfolio spanning education, employability and social inclusion programmes. She has also held senior leadership roles in national employability and skills organisations, driving innovation, sustainable growth, and high-quality frontline delivery.

Alongside her executive leadership experience, Victoria serves as a Council Member of UK Year of Service, reflecting her long-standing commitment to strengthening opportunities for young people and the wider social impact sector.

As Chief Executive Officer, Victoria will lead City Year UK’s next phase of growth, expanding the organisation’s reach while deepening its impact in schools and ensuring even more young people have the support they need to succeed in education, employment and life.

Victoria Head added: “Throughout my career, I’ve believed that every young person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background. That’s exactly what drew me to City Year UK. The organisation combines an inspiring mission with an impressive track record of helping young people thrive, and I’m delighted to be joining at such an exciting time.

“I’ve been inspired by the passion and dedication of the team, volunteer mentors, schools and partners, all of whom share a commitment to creating more equitable opportunities for every child.

“As we look to the future, I’m excited to build on these strong foundations, deepen our impact and work together to ensure even more young people have the support, confidence and skills they need to succeed. I’m honoured to be leading City Year UK into its next chapter, and I look forward to everything we can achieve together.” 

Matthew Davies, Chair of Trustees: “Following a highly competitive recruitment process, the Board is delighted to appoint Victoria as our next Chief Executive Officer. She brings an exceptional combination of strategic leadership, deep experience across education, employability and skills and an unwavering commitment to improving opportunities for young people.

“Victoria impressed us with her vision, values and collaborative approach, and we are confident she has the leadership and experience to build on City Year UK’s strong foundations, deepen our impact and strengthen the partnerships that are so important to our success.

“We look forward to welcoming Victoria to City Year UK and working together as we continue to create brighter futures for more young people.”

City Year UK is a youth and education charity which empowers diverse 18 to 25-year-olds to tackle educational inequality through a year of full-time volunteering in schools.

For more information please contact our Head of Marketing & Communications at rconnolly@cityyear.org.uk.