Leading family support charity, Home-Start UK, starts a new chapter in its 50-year history, with its first Co-Chief Executives. This week Natalie Acton and Jodie Reed will jointly lead the organisation, a move that reflects both the evolving needs of families today and Home-Start’s commitment to inclusive, flexible models of working. 

Home-Start UK's new Co-CEOs. Left: Natalie Acton, Right: Jodie Reed

Together, Natalie and Jodie will bring vision, energy and expertise in family policy and practice, guiding Home-Start UK and its network of 175 local charities across the country. Their appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as families face increasing pressures and isolation, and the need for community-based, compassionate support has never been greater. 

Both leaders bring a wealth of experience:

Natalie Acton has worked in central and local government, including in the No.10 Policy Unit and Department for Education. She co-founded the charity Think Ahead and was Head of Student Support at Cambridge University. She has previously job-shared at CEO level and is a Home-Start volunteer in her local community.

Jodie Reed was Partner and Director at Isos Partnership, specialising in early childhood and prevention. She has led national strategy on early years and schools in central government, as well as the public services team at the Institute for Public Policy Research.

Both Natalie and Jodie are also parents of young children, with first hand understanding of the pressures families face. Their joint leadership embodies Home-Start’s vision of family-friendly working, shared responsibility, and collaboration. Principles the organisation has long championed for society as a whole.

Jodie said:

“If you were to provide a solution to the pressures facing families today, I believe it would look like Home-Start. At a time when parenting has become more isolating, the daily support offered by thousands of Home-Start volunteers is a lifeline. I am honoured to lead this incredible charity alongside Natalie.”

Natalie said:

“For too many families, everyday life feels overwhelming. Home-Start’s unique offer of kindness and practical help can transform that experience. I can’t wait to champion families’ voices and support our staff and volunteers to deliver the biggest impact possible.”

For more than 50 years, Home-Start has been changing lives, with trained volunteers providing practical and emotional support to families with babies and young children. Evidence shows this help builds parents’ confidence, strengthens family relationships, and lays the foundations for children’s future wellbeing and learning.

With Natalie and Jodie at the helm, Home-Start UK continues the legacy of founder Margaret Harrison CBE, who launched the very first Home-Start in Leicester in 1973.