Stonepillow, the West Sussex homelessness charity, has appointed a new chief executive - David Francis takes on the role following Hilary Bartle's departure after eight years.
He brings experience from across housing and homelessness. David was previously director of the West London Alliance, where he led a partnership of seven London boroughs delivering programmes and services across housing and health, employment, skills and digital inclusion. For over nine years David was also a non-executive director at the homelessness charity Broadway, which is now part of St Mungo's.
Stonepillow says his background will help strengthen services supporting vulnerable people across the region.
David said: “I am excited to join Stonepillow as the new CEO. The extent of homelessness in the 1990s drew me into public service and has been a driving force in my career since. Stonepillow's purpose and ambition around delivering for and with its clients resonates with me and I look forward to working with the trustees, staff, volunteers and partners, to build on its excellent track record of preventing homelessness and restoring lives across West Sussex"
Announcing the appointment, Chair of trustees Olivia Pinkney said,
"The trustees are delighted to welcome David and to have him lead Stonepillow into our next chapter. As part of the selection process, David impressed all who met him - clients, staff and partners. He brings a wealth of experience in the delivery of homelessness services as well as the commissioning of contracts, coupled with being a trustee and volunteer himself. I am looking forward to working with David in the years to come."
David joins Stonepillow on 1 April 2026.
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