Jon Dobbs spent 20 years working in the dog section of the Metropolitan Police and is now looking forward to a new chapter of his life leading anti-poverty charity Rope.

Following his retirement, he was looking and praying for the opportunity to do something new when the position of Rope CEO opened up.

Rope is one of the several charities supported by Dobbs, who is also on the leadership team of his local church.

"I have a passion for the poor, the broken and the marginalised," he said. "I have links with several different charities but I have always supported Rope because I fully endorse all it stands for and seeks to do, in taking action and changing lives."

Rope supports over 50 projects in 33 countries, primarily in Asia, Africa, Central and South America and Europe. With a separate fund for staff and administrative costs, Rope pledges to pass on 100% of donations to overseas projects.

Dobbs said he was "delighted" to be appointed as the charity's new chief executive.

"There is an excellent team of staff, trustees and volunteers and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of working alongside them, as we seek with God's help to grow the work and effectiveness of Rope."

Following his appointment, a friend wisely told him, "You have worn a uniform for all of your working life – remember the uniform you need for this job is the whole armour of God."

Dobbs succeeds Graham Fairbairn, who is retiring after more than 30 years in the charity sector.

He says: "I am delighted that Jon is taking over as Chief Executive, as he already knows our work and is exactly the right person to take Rope forward into the next phase of organisational development, as it aims to impact the lives of more poor and voiceless people around the world."