Our Society Management Team

Elaine Hindal

Elaine is a passionate advocate for making childhood better for all children in the UK. She leads the work of the Children’s Society on issues of childhood and child well-being, with a particular focus on disadvantaged children and children at risk, including children on the streets, children with disabilities, child refugees, children living in poverty, and children who have been placed within the youth and care justice systems. Elaine oversees our work in areas of policy, research, communications and marketing.

Elaine joined The Children’s Society in 2009. In this year, we published A Good Childhood: Searching for Values in a Competitive Age. This report was the result of a three-year inquiry to understand modern childhood and to inform, improve, and inspire all our relationships with children.  The Children’s Society, under Elaine’s direction, is set to release yet another groundbreaking report, The Good Childhood Report 2012, based on the views of over 25,000 children and young people. This report will present compelling evidence on the factors that affect the well-being of children and young people throughout the UK.

Penny Nicholls

Penny Nicholls leads the nearly 600-strong division responsible for delivering all direct services with children and young people at The Children's Society.

Penny began her career from 1980 to 1990 as a child protection specialist working in wardship and care proceedings. She joined The Children's Society in 1991 as a project worker at the former Leeds Safe House - a refuge for young runaways – providing advice, advocacy and representation. Rising to project leader within three years, Penny developed policy and procedures around the Operation of Refuge under Section 51 (Children’s Act 1989). 

From 1996 to 1999, Penny strategically oversaw The Children's Society's direct practice with children and young people first in Yorkshire and the Humber and then East Anglia. Following her success, in 1999 Penny was appointed to the role of Programme Manager for the charity’s Safe on the Streets Programme, campaigning for a national network of services for runaways and protecting children from sexual exploitation. 

Steve Porter

Steve Porter joined The Children's Society as Corporate Services Director in February 2011. He was previously the Chief Executive of PRS for Music and Group Finance Director of Tring International PLC. He brings significant skills and experience to the organisation, gained in over 25 years in the private sector and management consultancy. Steve trained with PwC and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA).

As Corporate Services Director, Steve is responsible for The Children's Society's professional services activities, including finance, HR, IT and Estates.