New chair of Social Enterprise UK is Lord Victor Adebowale

Lord Victor Adebowale has been announced as the new chair of Social Enterprise UK (SEUK). 

Adebowale has been the chief executive of social care social enterprise Turning Point since 2001. Prior to that he was at the helm of youth homeless charity Centrepoint.

He succeeds Claire Dove OBE, who served two terms as chair of SEUK. Dove will now be made a patron of the organisation, joining CEO of the Young Foundation Baroness Glenys Thornton and founder of the Big Issue John Bird.

Adebowale was already closely associated with SEUK, having also served as patron of the organisation before being installed as chair.

He has often been vocal about social issues. In the Pioneers Post Quarterly Black Cab Interview in February last year he was critical of proposed cuts to the welfare system. 

He also described the Social Value Act as "toothless", suggesting how it could have been improved: “There would had to have been some duties in the bill which would force the way in which we do business to acknowledge, measure and account for the social value contributions of any business wishing to deliver services to the public.”

On taking up the post, Adebowale stressed the potential for social enterprise to create an inclusive economy in the light of “recent domestic and world events”.

“Together with SEUK, I am determined that we present the public with a clear view of what social enterprise can offer and the value it can add to the lives of individuals, and the communities in which they live,” Adebowale said.

Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, said: “We’re delighted that Victor will be taking up the position of chair at Social Enterprise UK. He’s an outstanding entrepreneur, passionate about social justice and will bring a vast amount of insight and expertise to the role."