Michelle Minsky is the new head of Chesed, the United Synagogue's welfare arm, after 20 years working in public housing for Westminster Council.

The Belmont Synagogue member has also served for 15 years on the board of housing charity, the Industrial Dwellings Society.

As well as overseeing services including hospital visiting, Pesach food parcels and its blood drive, she will play a key role within the US's Community Cares, with its network of support groups across more than 40 US communities.

Ms Minsky wants "to improve the services available and to reach out to all of our membership - and in particular, to engage more with our youth".