After over a decade of leadership, Jonathan Pauling will be stepping down as Chief Executive of Alexandra Rose Charity this September to take up a new role as Director of Pesticide Action Network.
Jonathan has led the charity through a period of extraordinary growth and innovation. Since launching the first Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg pilot in 2013 with just 54 families in Hackney, Jonathan has spearheaded the project’s expansion to support over 11,000 families and 20,000 children across eight areas of the UK. His vision to make healthy food accessible and affordable for all has guided the charity’s evolution into a nationally recognised and respected voice in healthy food access.
Inspired by a visit from Gus Schumacher, a pioneer of fruit and veg voucher initiatives in the USA, Jonathan saw the opportunity to pilot a similar approach in the UK. What began as a local project became a movement, driving both local and national conversations about food equity and health. Under his leadership, Alexandra Rose Charity has developed innovative new models such as Fruit & Veg on Prescription, and championed sustainable, local supply chains through the Bridging the Gap project, embedding long-term impact in the communities we serve.
Reflecting on his departure, Jonathan said:
“It’s been the greatest honour to lead Alexandra Rose Charity over the past 11 years. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to improve access to healthy food for families on low incomes and the meaningful, lasting change we’ve made together. I believe deeply in the power of this work and in the dedicated team, including local authorities, funding partners, staff and Trustees, who will carry it forward. I leave with immense pride and gratitude, knowing that the charity is on a strong path and poised for its next exciting chapter.”
The charity is now entering a new strategic phase and will be recruiting for a new Chief Executive to build on this momentum and lead Alexandra Rose Charity into the next five years of growth and innovation. Celia Cole, Chair of Trustees, said:
“Jonathan has been a visionary and passionate leader, and his legacy is one of deep, transformative impact. Under his stewardship, Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg have grown from a small pilot to a national project reaching thousands of families and children with vital access to healthy food. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jonathan for everything he has given to the charity: his drive, his commitment, and his belief in what’s possible.
As we begin the search for our next Chief Executive, we’re excited about the future and the opportunities ahead for this critical health intervention. With a strong foundation and a bold new strategy, this is a fantastic moment for the right person to step into a leadership role and help take our impact to the next level.”
Jonathan will remain in post until September to support a smooth transition. We are now inviting applications for the role of Chief Executive to lead Alexandra Rose Charity into its next chapter. View the full job description and apply via CharityJob here.