Joe Irvin facts for kids

Joseph David Irvin is a person who has led important charities and worked in government. He used to be the head of a charity called Living Streets until 2020. This charity helps people who walk, making streets safer and better for them.

Joseph Irvin's Career Journey

Joseph Irvin started his career helping workers. He was a policy officer for the Trades Union Congress, which is a group that supports workers' rights. Later, he worked for the Transport and General Workers' Union, where he was in charge of education and research.

Working with Important Organizations

Mr. Irvin also worked for big organizations that protect nature and help with travel. He was the Director of Parliamentary Affairs for the RSPB, a charity that looks after birds. He also worked for BAA, a company that used to manage many airports. In these roles, he helped these groups talk to the government and the public.

Role in Government

In 1997, Joseph Irvin started working in politics. He became a special advisor to John Prescott, who was the Deputy Prime Minister at the time. This means he gave advice to a very important government leader. Later, he became the Political Secretary to Gordon Brown when Mr. Brown was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In this role, he helped the Prime Minister with political matters. He worked in this position from 2007 to 2010.

Leading Charities Again

After leaving politics in 2012, Joseph Irvin went back to working with charities. He became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action. This organization helps other charities and community groups across the country.

Special Recognition

In 2020, Joseph Irvin received a special award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award was given to him for his great work in promoting "active travel" (like walking and cycling) and for his contributions to charities.

Personal Life

Joseph Irvin is married to Diana Holland. She is also involved in important work, serving as an Assistant General Secretary for the Unite trade union. She is also the Treasurer of the Labour Party, a major political party in the UK.