NatCen begins search for new Chief Executive as Guy Goodwin retires

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) begins its search for a new Chief Executive as the current Chief Executive, Guy Goodwin, announces his departure. Guy Goodwin has led the not-for-profit social research organisation since 2016 and will be standing down from his post in May 2024.

NatCen is a registered charity and the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. It partners with governments, NGOs, charities and other organisations to conduct rigorous, high quality social research, generating evidence that uncovers the reality of people’s lives in the UK. From climate change to health, NatCen delivers a variety of projects including complex, multi-year social surveys, addressing some of the biggest issues of our time.

Sir Stuart Etherington, Chair of NatCen’s Board of Trustees, said: “On behalf of NatCen and its Trustees, we are very grateful to Guy and the outstanding contribution he has made in advancing the organisation. When Guy was appointed, the organisation was in a very different place. During this time, we have consolidated our business and grown different areas of policy research, strengthened our operations, and continued to innovate in our survey methodologies.

“Guy’s retirement means we are now looking to build on his achievements by appointing an exceptional Chief Executive to lead NatCen and deliver our ‘Making Life Better’ strategy. NatCen has a brilliant workforce of staff and interviewers that have worked tirelessly through some challenging times and deliver research of exceptional quality. The Board of Trustees is excited for NatCen’s future and we are keen to appoint a leader who will help us further realise our ambitious plans for diversification and growth.”

Guy Goodwin, Chief Executive at NatCen, adds: “It has been a pleasure to lead NatCen for the last 7 years. I am particularly proud of how NatCen, its staff team and, most importantly, our interviewers responded during the pandemic. It was a privilege to contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19, infection rates and vaccination efficacy, playing a part in the huge national effort of collecting thousands of swabs as part of the COVID-19 Infection Study.”

“Over the next few months, I will be working closely with our Board of Trustees and Leadership Team to support the recruitment of my successor and provide an effective transition and handover of responsibilities. It’s a fantastic role and it’s a privilege to lead NatCen – I will be wishing my successor the very best of luck when they’re appointed.”

ENDS

For more information please contact:
Katie Crabb, Head of Marketing and Communications, National Centre for Social Research
katie.crabb@natcen.ac.uk
Direct: 0207 549 8504

Notes to editors:

1. The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is a registered charity and is the largest independent and not-for-profit social research organisation in the UK. It was founded in 1969 by Sir Roger Jowell and Gerald Hoinville with the aim of carrying out rigorous social policy research to improve society. (www.natcen.ac.uk).