The Printing Charity appoints Peter Ashcroft as its first director of services

The Printing Charity has announced the appointment of Peter Ashcroft as its first director of services. The introduction of this role means that for the first time all the charity’s welfare activities are combined into one team.

These activities cover: the charity’s free, confidential helpline, currently available to more than 31,000 employees in almost 350 companies; financial assistance for those on low incomes or those struggling to cover unexpected or unaffordable one-off costs; and the charity’s almshouses for those retired from a career in the publishing sector.

The charity said the new role would help "ensure practical, emotional and financial support from the charity remains fit for the future" as its 200th anniversary approaches.

Prior to The Printing Charity, Ashcroft worked for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund as head of community welfare programmes, responsible for the delivery of a suite of welfare services including its relationship, counselling and welfare casework services, its Airplay youth support programme and a community engagement and social inclusion programme.

The Printing Charity’s chief executive Neil Lovell said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Pete. As the charity approaches its 200th anniversary in 2027, we are looking at how our welfare support and assistance can evolve to be fit for now and in the future. Pete’s appointment will ensure we can be there for people whenever we are needed, in ways that are aligned with the evolving needs of the print industry and allied trades.”