Case study: Chair recruitment | MEAM (Making Every Adult Matter)
Hear about our work with the MEAM (Making Every Adult Matter) to find a Chair to guide their Board and amplify their influence.
Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) is the national charity working to improve services and systems for people facing multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, mental ill health, substance use, and contact with the criminal justice system.
Operating across more than 50 local areas in England, MEAM supports cross-sector partnerships to design coordinated, person-centred responses through its evidence-based MEAM Approach. With a strong focus on equity, co-production, and systemic change, MEAM works alongside practitioners, policymakers, and people with lived experience. Now an independent charity, MEAM has a dedicated team and a committed board, positioning it for long-term impact and national influence.
Context.
Following its transition to an independent charity in early 2025, MEAM entered a new chapter that required bold, strategic leadership at board level. With a stable and committed board already in place, the organisation sought a new Chair to support its long-term sustainability, strengthen governance, and guide MEAM through a period of evolution and growth with a strong focus on diversifying income streams to future-proof its funding model. As MEAM builds its independent identity and amplifies its national influence, the incoming Chair would need to offer both support and constructive challenge to the CEO, while maintaining board engagement and accountability. Strong political understanding, governance expertise, and a passion for systemic change were key to ensuring the charity remained focused, resilient, and responsive to the needs of people facing multiple disadvantage.
Brief.
Peridot was tasked with securing an experienced and values-driven leader to guide the organisation through a critical phase of development. Expertise in charity governance, legal structures, and financial oversight, particularly across both commercial and grant-funded growth, was essential. Candidates needed a deep understanding of policy-making, systems leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. The role required emotional intelligence, strategic insight, and a genuine commitment to MEAM’s intersectional approach to addressing multiple disadvantage. Familiarity with the challenges of homelessness, mental ill health, substance misuse, and the criminal justice system was highly desirable, as was experience in building stakeholder partnerships and advocating at both local and national levels. The search was UK-wide, with a focus on candidates who could bring fresh ideas, drive innovation, and act as an ambassador for MEAM’s vital mission.
Outcome.
MEAM appointed an accomplished executive and non-executive leader with over 25 years of experience across the public and not for profit sectors. From seven applications, five candidates were longlisted, with a diverse pool targeted across sectors. The inclusive and rigorous process ensured MEAM found a Chair with both the experience and personal commitment to guide the organisation forward. With a strong background in organisational leadership, strategic transformation and inclusion, the newly appointed Chair brings a deep alignment with MEAM’s mission and a thoughtful, values-driven approach to board leadership. Their experience on intersectionality and disadvantage complements MEAM’s focus on systemic change, and their coaching-led, collaborative style is ideally suited to supporting the CEO and engaging the Board.
Category: Board Recruitment & Development
Consultant in charge
Clare Chesworth
Head of Social Justice
Clare Chesworth is Head of Social Justice at Peridot Partners. She brings extensive experience in recruitment, HR, and employability across diverse sectors, including events, education, and social justice. Over her recruitment career, she has honed invaluable skills such as active listening, building strong relationships, and fostering collaboration to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients and candidates consistently.
With a passion for supporting marginalised communities, Clare focuses particularly on improving employment opportunities for individuals with additional needs. Before joining Peridot, she designed and led a post-16 provision at a SEN school, preparing young people with autism for apprenticeships and employment. Her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion has driven her throughout her career, both in her work and as a school governor.
At Peridot, Clare's focus has expanded to working with organisations tackling complex social issues like homelessness and housing. She has led high-profile recruitment campaigns for leadership roles at charities such as Caudwell Children, Society of St James, and YMCA Downslink, always striving to place the right people in roles where they can make a lasting impact.
Outside of work, Clare is deeply involved in her local community and enjoys theatre, cooking for loved ones, and cheering on her sons at rugby matches. Friendly and approachable, she combines her professional expertise with a genuine care for people and their potential.
