Tina Haux (pictured), who is the new director of the Centre for Children and Families, is currently a senior lecturer in quantitative social policy at the University of Kent.

Other previous roles include at the University of Lincoln, Queen’s University Belfast, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Gingerbread and Single Parent Action Network.

Gayle Munro has also been appointed as deputy director of the Centre for Children and Families, having previously been head of research and evidence at the National Children’s Bureau.

Munro’s past roles also include a 12-year spell at the Salvation Army as head of research, and a role at the University of Stirling.

Martina Vojtkova, director of NatCen’s Policy Research Centre, said: “Tina and Gayle will lead the centre in shaping the debate on modern childhood, working with policy makers to identify evidence-based interventions that improve children’s and young people’s life chances.

“We are delighted to welcome Tina and Gayle to lead on this important part of NatCen’s work.”