Just Like Us appoints new Chief Executive Laura Mackay

Laura Mackay has been appointed Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, replacing Dominic Arnall following his move to Open for Business. 

Mackay has 15 years of experience working in the education sector. She joins Just Like Us from a London Local Authority where she worked as a Strategic Lead for Children with a Social Worker, advising school and local authority leaders on supporting young people. Prior to that, she was assistant headteacher at a London secondary school. 

Laura Mackay, Just Like Us’ new CEO, said: “Just Like Us is an ambitious and enterprising organisation, and a vital source of support for both staff and LGBT+ young people. 

“I can’t wait to work alongside brilliant people who have an unrelenting determination to ensure every school across the UK is a safe and inclusive one, where all young people are able to thrive.”

Mackay will assume her new role in advance of School Diversity Week, which more than 6,000 schools are set to take part in across the UK. Just Like Us is supporting schools with free resources including resources specifically for Welsh, faith and SEND schools for the first time.

Just Like Us’ Chair of Trustees, Daniel Gerring, said: “I am thrilled that Laura Mackay is joining Just Like Us as Chief Executive, to ensure that Just Like Us continues to go from strength to strength, helping all young people understand that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated. 

“I would also like to extend particular thanks to Amy Ashenden for her hard work and dedication leading our team over the last six months, and to thank our whole team for their commitment during this transition period.”

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