Background
Unwin was born on 6 July 1956 and is the daughter of Peter William Unwin, a retired diplomat.
Unwin was born on 6 July 1956 and is the daughter of Peter William Unwin, a retired diplomat.
She studied History at Liverpool University and graduated Bachelor of Arts (Bachelor) in 1978. She then went on to undertake postgraduate studies in Social Policy and Planning at the London School of Economics, graduating Master of Science (Master of Science ) in 1991.
She has been Chief Executive of JRF and JRHT since January 2007. Previous roles include being a freelance consultant between 1993 and 2006 – during this time Julia undertook policy analysis, governance support and project evaluation. Former roles 1978–1980 Field worker, Liverpool Council for Voluntary Service 1980 -1982 Community Liaison officer, London Borough of Southwark social services 1982–1986 Head of Voluntary sector liaison team, Greater London Council 1986–1992 Director, Homeless Network 1995–1998 Chair of Refugee Council 1998–2003 Charity Commission for England and Wales Charity Commissioner 1992–2001 Board member, Housing Corporation 2001–2006 Board member, National Consumer Council 2003–2006 Deputy Chair, Food Standards Agency.
The Guardian in 2007 described her as a "major player in the voluntary sector." In 2012 she was appointed by the Scottish Government as a member of the Expert Working Group on Welfare and Constitutional Reform. She has been a member of the peer review of Cabinet office (2000), a member of the Capability Review at DCLG (2006), Social Policy Adviser at National Westminster Bank, and Senior Adviser to the Baring Foundation. She is a member of the Council at the University of New York