Press

Following Social Platform’s Annual General Assembly on 5 May, representatives of 49 members elected Jana Hainsworth as President of the largest European platform of social NGOs in Europe. A new management committee was also elected for the next two years taking effect from 6 May.

Jana Hainsworth replaces Ms Heather Roy who has stepped down after serving the maximum term as President.

Jana Hainsworth said: “I am proud today to have the trust and mandate of the leaders of 49 European networks. A strong Social Platform is more necessary than ever in the current political climate and narrowing space for civil dialogue. As President I will strengthen our collective capacity to respond to the critical challenges we face today and to better anticipate those of the future”.

Complementing her predecessor, Jana Hainsworth stated “I will continue to make Social Platform a more agile and high profile political player”.

Jana will represent Social Platform at High level events such as the informal EPSCO meeting of Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs, meetings with Commissioners, Members of the European Parliament, and ministers of countries holding the EU presidency.

Jana Hainsworth has a solid experience in leadership in the NGO sector and has already served two years in the Management Committee of Social Platform. She was appointed as Secretary General of Eurochild in January 2006, shortly after its establishment in 2004. Since then the network has grown in size and influence. She led the network through strategic changes to become the leading child rights network in Europe. Prior to joining Eurochild, she has worked in the private sector, including seven years in research, consultancy and communications. She has a leadership style that is attentive to building trust and empowerment of others.

Jana can be reached at the following email address:

The new Management Committee will comprise of:

President                     Jana Hainsworth

Vice President              Maciej Kucharczyck

Vice President              Barbara Helfferich

Treasurer                     Allan Päll

Member                       Michele LeVoy

Member                       John Dolan

Member                       Borbala Juhasz

president@socialplatform.org.Download the press release here (PDF)