Experienced businessman made youth charity’s new chair

YMCA Derbyshire, which provides accommodation, training and education opportunities and childcare, has appointed a new chair.

Julian Smith, who has been a board member at the charity since 2020, takes over the role from previous chair, Mary Gordon.

Having worked with more than 150 Derbyshire SMEs across a number of sectors for over a decade at The Alternative Board, Julian hopes to bring his real-world experience of owning and running businesses to the post.

He said: “For me, it’s about making a difference. Now I have the time, I am able to commit fully to this role.

“It’s really exciting because there are a huge number of opportunities for YMCA Derbyshire to increase the nature of support and number of lives we touch in a positive way.

“The organisation is well led, and I believe my experience will add value to the team.”

This vision of YMCA Derbyshire is to enable young people and communities to thrive, which sits in line with Julian’s motivations for taking the role.

He said: “I had been seeking a third sector organisation to be involved with that matched my values and genuinely changes lives.

“When the opportunity came up with YMCA Derbyshire, I had no hesitation. I wanted to be involved with a charity in which the board has influence rather than simply representing the need to tick the box of good governance. This is absolutely the case at YMCA Derbyshire.

“I really look forward to seeing how we can work together to change lives.”

Gillian Sewell, chief executive of YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We are thrilled to have Julian as our new chair.

“The breadth of knowledge he has of our city and county, alongside the passion to support our YMCA, is phenomenal.

“We’ve got so much planned for the next few years and Julian will play an instrumental part in where YMCA Derbyshire is headed.”