Trustee Recruitment Pack Our locations Who we are YMCA is the largest and oldest charity working with young people in the world. We are one of the 84 YMCAs in England and Wales, and are one of the 10 largest. Each YMCA is a thriving and active community – a community that is transforming lives. But each one is different. We all meet the needs and demands of the communities in which we’re based. YMCA Thames Gateway Group covers Essex, Kent and London and we provide support in the full spectrum of areas offered by YMCA. YMCA believes in fairness and opportunity. There are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health;academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities. Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us. At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community. What we do HOUSING - provide a home and personalised support services for a fresh start in life SUPPORT & ADVICE - a safe place to talk and get help through guided groups, mentoring, counselling, and mental health services TRAINING & EDUCATION - opportunities to gain qualifications, skills &employment FAMILY & YOUTH WORK - creating positive outcomes with children and young people in their communities, and support for families with nursery, day care, holiday and year-round programmes HEALTH & WELLBEING - gyms, sport and recreation for fitness, and community hubs for classes, social connection and collaborations We also deliver multiple community outreach programmes. Whilst our focus is on young people, we work with all members of the community, in the belief that everyone should be able to reach their full potential, regardless of their background. We call this a youth minded community approach. We work through a “Branch, Hub and Spoke”model which shown below. Each branch offers something different, working with the community in which it’s based. We employ around 280 members of staff and have an annual turnover of around £9.1million. During the 2022/23 financial year, we: made £207,654 of value for money savings generated £11million of social value through our Housing service For further details, please see our Annual Report and Financial statement for 2022/23 - https://bit.ly/YMCATGaccounts22-23 We also have a YouTube channel that will show more about what we do - https://bit.ly/YMCATGYouTube. Our vision We offer people the space they need to feel secure, respected, heard and valued; and we always protect, trust, hope and persevere. Our values We seek out We actively look for opportunities to make a transformative impact on young lives in the communities where we work, and believe that every person is of equal value We welcome We speak out We offer people the space they need to feel secure, respected, heard and valued; and we always protect, trust, hope and persevere We stand up for young people, speak out on issues that affect their lives, and help them to find confidence in their lives, and help them to find confidence in their own voice We serve others We are committed to the wellbeing of the communities we serve and believe in the positive benefit of participation, locally and in the wider world We inspire We strive to inspire each person we meet to nurture their body, mind and spirit, and to realise their full potential in all they do Our strategy Our newly developed strategic objectives for 2022-2027 are summarised below: Our strategy objectives Following on from the strategic themes, the objectives that sit under each theme are detailed below: About you Are you interested in giving back to your local community? If you are then we could have the volunteering opportunity for you. Eight evening meetings per year Make a life changing impact in your community Discounted gym membership at the Romford Hub and expenses reimbursed How you can help YMCA TGG is keen to recruit trustees with experience, skills and expertise in the following areas: A commitment to the ethos, Christian mission and values of YMCA TGG Strategic vision Ability to think creatively and apply good, independent and impartial judgment Commitment to the community which YMCA TGG seeks to support Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship IT literacy skills Change Management, plus one of the following areas of expertise:- Fundraising Property Developments ICT Social Housing Management / Working with Children and Young People / Health & Wellbeing services Though we actively encourage people of all faiths and world views to work, volunteer and become members of our Association, it is a requirement that two thirds of those who sit on our Board are Christian in order to maintain the Christian purposes of the Association. We recognise that faith is a deeply personal part of our lives and that part of the great mystery is the uniqueness by which our faith lives and breathes in our lives and actions. There is no test or specific criteria for how an individual makes manifest their Christian commitment, rather we ask Board colleagues to self-identify on their faith basis and agree to live out and champion the Christian values that underpin the work of our YMCA in their service. The values that underpin YMCA’s work are: Trustee role description The duties of a trustee include: To develop and agree the long-term vision, mission and strategic plan for the Association To ensure the Association acts within the aims and purposes of the Association and the wider Movement, and to ensure the board expresses the Christian mission of the Association within its work To ensure plans and annual budget reflect the agreed strategic direction and are appropriate To monitor progress against key outcomes from the plan and against budget and to hold the Chief Executive and Executive team accountable for these To contribute actively to the work of Board sub-committees and task groups To pro-actively review the level of risk annually To agree the Association’s key policies and ensure they contribute to the achievement of the Association’s intended outcomes To ensure the Association has effective and appropriate financial control systems and procedures To ensure the Association complies with the requirements of its multiple regulators To ensure governance is of the highest possible standard To work in partnership with members of the board, committees, chief executive and staff To reflect annually on the Board’s performance, collectively and individually To appoint the Chief Executive and to set their terms and conditions To play a part in representing YMCA Thames Gateway Group on a regional, national and international level To promote and develop the role of the Association in the community and with its stakeholders In addition, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board & committee papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice & guidance on new initiatives & other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. Governance structure YMCA structure Nationally and internationally, YMCA is a federated movement. YMCA TGG is affiliated to the National Council of YMCAs in England and Wales. YMCA TGG is incorporated as both a registered provider of social housing and a registered charity. It seeks to serve its beneficiaries in the local community through the provision of services. Board of Trustees and Sub-Committees The Board of Trustees and Sub Committees are responsible for the organisation and meet on a regular basis. They manage obligations through a committee structure as set out below, supported by the Executive Team. The Board of Trustees meets four times each year and each committee also meets four times annually. Committee meetings are held online and the Board of Trustees meet in person at Dartford for two of their four meetings. Trustees are expected to engage with Board of Trustee meetings and at least one Sub-Committee. Executive team & directorates The day-to-day management of the organisation is led by the Executive Team using the following structure Trustee profiles NAME: Mark Saunders ROLE: Chair of the Board of Trustees and member of the Asset Management & Development Committee SERVICE: Mark has been a Trustee since 2019 and was elected Chair of Trustees in December 2022 BACKGROUND Mark is a practising solicitor specialising in commercial property matters. He has worked in various central London law firms for over 30 years acting for financial institutions, property developers, investors and occupiers. Having recently joined the Board of Trustees, Mark is hoping that the legal and commercial skills from his work will help YMCA TG meet its strategic and operational targets. Mark is a keen tennis player and an optimist; he still expects to acquire the perfect backhand. NAME: Mark Farrar ROLE: Member of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee SERVICE: Mark has been a trustee since 2020 BACKGROUND Mark is a Chartered Accountant and has worked in the City of London Insurance sector for over 25 years, punctuated by a spell in the charity sector as Head of Finance at the Royal Horticultural Society. Mark's senior finance management roles have been focussed primarily on business planning and management reporting, and recently more specifically on expense management. Alongside his role on the Thames Gateway Board, Mark is Trustee Treasurer of Crosslight, which delivers debt advice and money management skills in London and West Kent. Mark is an active member of his local church, and he and his wife enjoy spending time with their 3 grown up children and any opportunity to be in the great outdoors. NAME: Peter Batt ROLE: Member of Board of Trustees SERVICE: Peter has been a Trustee since 2025 BACKGROUND Peter has worked in the food industry for over 30 years across many functions primarily retail, wholesale and commercial. For the last two and a half years, he was the managing director of Nisa, a food wholesale business with over 4,000 locations and serving over 150 countries. He was also a member of the Purpose Coalition, a committee chaired by Justine Greening to enable barriers to be broken down and also sat on the boards of the Association of Convenience Stores and the Federal Wholesale Distributors. Prior to this he was operations director for the Co-op helping to lead the change in store and communities and helped keep all stores open during the COVID pandemic. In the first two decades of his career, he worked for Sainsbury’s in retail operations and then in commercial being the buying manager for fresh produce and frozen foods. Peter has also held some voluntary trustee positions in Saint Francis Hospice for eight years, the Co-op Education Trust and the Co-op Foundation. He is married to Sam, lives in Shalford and they have two children, Oliver (16) and Alexandra (13). Outside of work, Peter loves attending sporting events and listening to 80s music. NAME: Jason Fielden ROLE: Member of Board of Trustees SERVICE: Jason has been a Trustee since 2025 BACKGROUND Jason brings extensive experience across the banking, finance and property sectors. As the owner and operator of several successful companies within these industries, he has developed a strong track record of leadership and strategic insight. Jason has been involved with our YMCA for over 15 years, contributing his expertise to a range of areas including asset management, finance, and stakeholder engagement. He has played a key role in supporting both internal teams and the wider leadership group, helping to strengthen the organisation’s operations and long-term sustainability. Most recently, Jason has deepened his commitment by joining the Board of Trustees, where he continues to provide valuable guidance and oversight. NAME: Marie Mostaeddi ROLE: Member of Board of Trustees and Chair of People Committee SERVICE: Marie has been a Trustee since 2024 BACKGROUND Marie is a Chartered Fellow CIPD, and Chartered Member CMI who combines strategic insight, people expertise and commercial acumen, to change the way organisations think about their people. She has generalist HR experience gained in a variety of sectors, including charity and non- profit. Currently specialising in Organisational Design. She focuses on customer excellence and organisational effectiveness, developing diverse high performing teams for optimal performance. In her spare time, you will likely find her in a theatre, cinema, music concert or reading a book or two. When the weather permits she likes to be walking in the countryside or being somewhere close to or on water. She loves travelling to new places and has a passion for developing both herself and others. NAME: Alice Strevens ROLE: Member of Board of Trustees and Operations and Programmes Committee SERVICE: Alice has been a Trustee since 2020 BACKGROUND A senior compliance and ethical trade professional with 13 years in business and human rights; Alice spent 11 years at ASOS building the ethical trade programme and has extensive experience in complex multi-stakeholder environments; overseeing programmes to prevent modern slavery; provide workers with the fundamental right of freedom of association and collective bargaining as well as regular risk auditing in factories across the world. Alice recently moved into the hospitality sector as Chief Purpose Officer at Shiva LLP with responsibility for sustainability, human rights and charitable partnerships. Alice has two young children and lives in South Woodford. Originally, she trained as an artist and is looking forward to the day when there might be some time to start painting and drawing again! NAME: Robert Wong ROLE: Member of Board of Trustees and Asset Management and Development Committee SERVICE: Robert has been a Trustee since 2024 BACKGROUND Robert is the founder of IDEA Foundation and IDEA Design Hub CIC, co-founder of PremedGo Healthcare Technologies, a Royal Institute of British Architects member and a Hong Kong registered architect. He was the former Assistant Director of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, responsible for designing and running elderly homes and social enterprises promoting user participation in design to improve the quality of life. With his commitment to community development, school building projects and volunteering works in developing countries (Cambodia, Nepal and India), Robert was awarded Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2015, Hong Kong Redcross Humanity Award 2017 and Young Architect of the Year in the 7th Asia Pacific ElderCare Innovation Award in Singapore. Robert studied Executive MBA at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Urban Development Planning at the Bartlett, University College London and Architecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Robert's design works have won awards in international and Hong Kong architectural design competitions. The participatory design projects that he promoted were invited by international organisations: including UN-Habitat, the World Health Organization, the Asian Development Bank and the Union of International Architects, to present at the global conference. Executive team profiles NAME: Matt Jones ROLE: Chief Executive Officer SERVICE: Matt joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in February 2024 BACKGROUND Matt Jones is an accomplished CEO with over 25 years of leadership experience spanning the private, public, and third sectors. With a strong academic foundation in commerce and psychology, complemented by postgraduate qualifications, Matt brings a blend of strategic insight and human understanding to this role. His professional journey includes impactful tenures across England, Scotland, and the USA, where he has consistently delivered transformational change and long-term strategic growth. Matt thrives on building high-performing, collaborative teams that are creative, resilient and focused on delivering real-world outcomes. He has a proven track record in service design and innovation, and is passionate about creating value through purposeful leadership and culture-driven transformation. Known for his clarity of vision and empathetic leadership style, Matt combines analytical thinking with a genuine commitment to people and progress. His experience navigating complex organisational environments positions him as a dynamic and trusted leader in both established and evolving sectors. Outside the professional sphere, Matt is deeply grounded in his faith and family. He finds inspiration and balance through his love of motorcycling, martial arts, and music - all of which reflect his disciplined, adventurous and creative spirit. NAME: Richard Bellis ROLE: Director of Housing SERVICE: Richard joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2023 BACKGROUND Richard has over 28 years’ experience of the housing sector across Supported Housing and General Needs Housing. Richard joined us from Notting Hill Genesis where he was responsible for housing management services to over 10,000 homes. Prior to that he led Genesis’ community investment activities, delivering a number of innovative activities, including designing the corporate social responsibility partnership with Kier, leading a successful partnership bid to NESTA to deliver a peer mentoring service. He was also corporate lead for welfare reform. Richard has lots of experience of working with residents to design and deliver improved services. Richard is a Board member for a Social Care Charity. As well as a Post Graduate Management Diploma from Roffey Park, Richard has an MA in Housing. NAME: Steve Brightwell ROLE: Executive Director of Operations SERVICE: Steve joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2017 BACKGROUND Steve initially joined YMCA as Head of Asset and Maintenance before being appointed Director of Property & Housing in summer 2018. Prior to joining us Steve was Head of Repairs and Maintenance at Clarion Housing, responsible for strategic delivery of regional responsive repairs contracts valuing over £12m and covering over 20,000 homes. Steve has held a number of leadership roles covering both housing and property functions including Assistant Director at Circle Housing and Housing Services Manager at Yorkshire Housing. Steve has project managed a wide range of change programmes including setting up contact centres, stock transfers, mergers, partnerships and delivery models. Steve has a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies as well as qualifications in construction, environmental health and housing. NAME: Laura Coyle ROLE: Director of Marketing, Communications and Fundraising SERVICE: Laura joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2020 BACKGROUND Laura has worked in marketing and communications within the charity sector since 2008, always in the not-for-profit space. She joined YMCA Thames Gateway just seven weeks before the first COVID-19 lockdown, bringing with her extensive experience from roles including Head of Marketing and Communications at Saint Francis Hospice and a position within the communications team at the local NHS Trust. However, the role that most strongly connects her to our YMCA was her eight years at youth charity The Prince’s Trust, where her passion for supporting young people was deeply rooted. Laura describes herself as a "jack of all trades, master of none"—a mindset she sees as essential in the charity sector, where marcomms teams must be agile, hands-on, and ready to take on whatever comes their way. NAME: Ganiy Daro ROLE: Director of Finance & IT SERVICE: Ganiyat joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2025 BACKGROUND Ganiy joined our YMCA in March this year. She leads our financial and digital strategies to drive efficiency, sustainability, and social impact. Previously, she was Head of Finance at Habinteg Housing Association, overseeing financial planning, compliance, and risk in asset management and development. Her earlier roles include senior finance positions at Shepherds Bush Housing Group, Clarion Housing Group, and Metropolitan Housing Trust Ltd. She also spent ten years at The City & Guilds Group in London, focusing on finance, skills development, and global mobility. Ganiy currently chairs the Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee at Invictus Education Trust, supporting governance and financial oversight. NAME: Heather Stevenson ROLE: Acting Director of Governance & Strategy SERVICE: Heather joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2017 BACKGROUND Heather was recently promoted to Acting Director of Governance, Quality & Compliance. In this elevated role, she leads on governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance, ensuring excellence, accountability, and alignment with best practices across the organisation’s diverse services. Prior to this, Heather spent eight years as Executive Assistant, providing high-level administrative and organisational support to the Chief Executive and wider Executive team. Her deep institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to organisational effectiveness positioned her as a trusted and influential member of the leadership team, laying the foundation for her transition into strategic governance and compliance leadership. NAME: Remi Tondu ROLE: Director of People SERVICE: Remi joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2015 BACKGROUND Remi has worked in the professional field of Human Resources for over 20 years. Her knowledge and expertise cover a wide and diverse range of HR practices, organisational and people related issues. She has worked at senior leadership levels in a number of large NHS Organisations including Bart’s NHS Trust, NHS Direct as well as a medium sized non-for- profit social enterprise. Remi is a full member of the UK Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) and holds the following qualifications; Master of Professional Studies (MA Organisational Development) and Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management. Appointment process YMCA Thames Gateway Group invests time in the appointment process to maximise the effectiveness of the charity’s governance. To express an interest in becoming a trustee, please send an up-to-date CV, together with a supporting statement, explaining how you believe your experience and skills are relevant and what you are able to bring to the role. Please send your application to PAMailbox@ymcatg.org Interview process Shortlisted applicants will have the option to meet the Chief Executive and to see some of our services in action. A more formal interview may follow in order to establish whether there is a good ‘fit’ with the organisation, followed by meeting current trustees and attending a Board of Trustees meeting as an observer. YMCA Thames Gateway is serious about safeguarding; this role is subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check. Get involved. Join our transformational community. Find out more about us at ymcatg.org facebook.com/ymcatg instagram.com/ymcatg URN007 © YMCA Thames Gateway Group YMCA Thames Gateway Group is a registered charity, number 1133269
TrusteeRecruitmentPack Our locations YMCA is the largest and oldest charity working with young people in the world. We areone of the 84 YMCAs in England and Wales, and are one of the 10 largest.Each YMCA is a thriving and active community – a community that is transforming lives.But each one is different. We all meet the needs and demands of the communities inwhich we’re based.YMCA Thames Gateway Group covers Essex, Kent and London and we provide support inthe full spectrum of areas offered by YMCA.YMCA believes in fairness and opportunity. There are essential building blocks for a fulland rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mentalhealth;academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities. Manyyoung people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more asthey grew up, but we all need them. All of us. At YMCA, we provide these criticalfoundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in thecommunity.Who we are What we doWe also deliver multiple community outreach programmes.Whilst our focus is on young people, we work with all members of the community, inthe belief that everyone should be able to reach their full potential, regardless of theirbackground. We call this a youth minded community approach.We employ approx. 210 members of staff and have an annual turnover of £10,155,316.We won’t sugar-coat it - our operating expenditure was £10,265,694 in the 2023/24financial year and therefore resulted in an operating deficit of £110,378. For further details, please see our financial documents, available on our website -https://ymcatg.org/annual-publications/. We also have a YouTube channel that will show more about what we do -https://bit.ly/YMCATGYouTube.HOUSING - provide a home and personalised support services for a fresh start in lifeSUPPORT & ADVICE - a safe place to talk and get help through guided groups,mentoring, counselling, and mental health servicesTRAINING & EDUCATION - opportunities to gain qualifications, skills &employmentFAMILY & YOUTH WORK - creating positive outcomes with children and young peoplein their communities, and support for families with nursery, day care, holiday andyear-round programmesHEALTH & WELLBEING - gyms, sport and recreation for fitness, and community hubsfor classes, social connection and collaborationsWe cover a broad geographical patch in Essex (Havering and Brentwood), Kent(Dartford and West Kent) and East London (Thamesmead and Woolwich), providing avariety of services and support programmes to the communities in which we operate.The five core areas are: We offer people the space they need to feel secure, respected, heard and valued; andwe always protect, trust, hope and persevere.Our visionWe actively look for opportunities to make a transformativeimpact on young lives in the communities where we work,and believe that every person is of equal valueWe offer people the space they need to feel secure,respected, heard and valued; and we always protect, trust,hope and persevereWe stand up for young people, speak out on issues thataffect their lives, and help them to find confidence in theirlives, and help them to find confidence in their own voiceWe are committed to the wellbeing of the communities weserve and believe in the positive benefit of participation,locally and in the wider worldWe strive to inspire each person we meet to nurture theirbody, mind and spirit, and to realise their full potential in allthey doOur valuesWe seek outWe welcomeWe speak outWe serve othersWe inspire Our newly developed strategic objectives for 2022-2027 are summarised below:Our strategy Following on from the strategic themes, the objectives that sit under each theme aredetailed below:Our strategy objectives About youAre you interested in giving back to your local community?If you are then we could have the volunteering opportunity for you.Eight evening meetings per yearMake a life changing impact in your communityDiscounted gym membership at the Romford Hub and expenses reimbursedHow you can helpYMCA TGG is keen to recruit trustees with experience, skills and expertise in the followingareas: A commitment to the ethos, Christian mission and values of YMCA TGGStrategic visionAbility to think creatively and apply good, independent and impartial judgmentCommitment to the community which YMCA TGG seeks to supportExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsWillingness to devote the necessary time and effort requiredUnderstanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeshipIT literacy skillsChange Management, plus one of the following areas of expertise:-Property developmentGovernanceFundraisingThough we actively encourage people of all faiths and world views to work, volunteer andbecome members of our Association, it is a requirement that two thirds of those who sit onour Board are Christian in order to maintain the Christian purposes of the Association. Werecognise that faith is a deeply personal part of our lives and that part of the great mystery isthe uniqueness by which our faith lives and breathes in our lives and actions. There is no testor specific criteria for how an individual makes manifest their Christian commitment, ratherwe ask Board colleagues to self-identify on their faith basis and agree to live out andchampion the Christian values that underpin the work of our YMCA in their service. Thevalues that underpin YMCA’s work are:Social housing managementWorking with young peopleLegal Trustee role descriptionThe duties of a trustee include:To develop and agree the long-term vision, mission and strategic plan for theAssociationTo ensure the Association acts within the aims and purposes of the Association andthe wider Movement, and to ensure the board expresses the Christian mission of theAssociation within its workTo ensure plans and annual budget reflect the agreed strategic direction and areappropriateTo monitor progress against key outcomes from the plan and against budget and tohold the Chief Executive and Executive team accountable for theseTo contribute actively to the work of Board sub-committees and task groupsTo pro-actively review the level of risk annuallyTo agree the Association’s key policies and ensure they contribute to the achievementof the Association’s intended outcomesTo ensure the Association has effective and appropriate financial control systems andproceduresTo ensure the Association complies with the requirements of its multiple regulatorsTo ensure governance is of the highest possible standardTo work in partnership with members of the board, committees, chief executive andstaffTo reflect annually on the Board’s performance, collectively and individuallyTo appoint the Chief Executive and to set their terms and conditionsTo play a part in representing YMCA Thames Gateway Group on a regional, nationaland international levelTo promote and develop the role of the Association in the community and with its stakeholders In addition, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they haveto help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board &committee papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice &guidance on new initiatives & other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. YMCA structure Nationally and internationally, YMCA is a federated movement. YMCA TGG is affiliated tothe National Council of YMCAs in England and Wales. YMCA TGG is incorporated as botha registered provider of social housing and a registered charity. It seeks to serve itsbeneficiaries in the local community through the provision of services. Board of Trustees and Sub-Committees The Board of Trustees and Sub Committees are responsible for the organisation andmeet on a regular basis. They manage obligations through a committee structure as setout below, supported by the Executive Team. The Board of Trustees meets four timeseach year and each committee also meets four times annually. Committee meetingsare held online and the Board of Trustees meet in person at Dartford for two of theirfour meetings. Trustees are expected to engage with Board of Trustee meetings and atleast one Sub-Committee.Governance structure Executive team & directoratesThe day-to-day management of the organisation is led by the Executive Team using thefollowing structure Trustee profilesBACKGROUNDMark is a Chartered Surveyor and has worked in various NHS Trusts for the last 25 years as aDirector of Estates and Facilities. He is currently working for Gloucester HospitalsFoundation Trust and is a member of the Board for their wholly owned subsidiary GloucesterManaged Services.Mark is an avid reader and enjoys a range of fiction and non-fiction. Also qualified inHorticulture, he has a passion for gardening and the environment.With two adult children and a three-year-old grandson, life is very fulfilled and is always anadventure.Mark spent 16 years working for the Salvation Army and their Housing Association,experience that we’re grateful he has brought to YMCA TGG. NAME: Mark Johnston-WoodROLE: Member of Board of Trustees, member of the AssetCommittee and Acting ChairSERVICE: Mark has been a Trustee since August 2025 BACKGROUNDPeter has worked in the food industry for over 30 years across many functions primarily retail,wholesale and commercial. For the last two and a half years, he was the managing director ofNisa, a food wholesale business with over 4,000 locations and serving over 150 countries. Hewas also a member of the Purpose Coalition, a committee chaired by Justine Greening toenable barriers to be broken down and also sat on the boards of the Association ofConvenience Stores and the Federal Wholesale Distributors.Prior to this he was operations director for the Co-op helping to lead the change in store andcommunities and helped keep all stores open during the COVID pandemic. In the first twodecades of his career, he worked for Sainsbury’s in retail operations and then in commercialbeing the buying manager for fresh produce and frozen foods.Peter has also held some voluntary trustee positions in Saint Francis Hospice for eight years,the Co-op Education Trust and the Co-op Foundation. He is married to Sam, lives in Shalfordand they have two children, Oliver (16) and Alexandra (13). Outside of work, Peter lovesattending sporting events and listening to 80s music.NAME: Peter BattROLE: Member of Board of Trustees, Chair of the Operations andProgrammes Committee, and a member of the Finance, Auditand Risk Committee SERVICE: Peter has been a Trustee since 2025NAME: Mark FarrarROLE: Member of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer and Chair ofthe Finance, Audit & Risk CommitteeSERVICE: Mark has been a trustee since 2020 and was appointedTreasurer in 2023. He will be stepping down on 6 November 2025BACKGROUNDMark is a Chartered Accountant and has worked in the City of London Insurance sector for over25 years, punctuated by a spell in the charity sector as Head of Finance at the RoyalHorticultural Society. Mark's senior finance management roles have been focussed primarily onbusiness planning and management reporting, and recently more specifically on expensemanagement.Alongside his role on the Thames Gateway Board, Mark is Trustee Treasurer of Crosslight, whichdelivers debt advice and money management skills in London and West Kent. Mark is an activemember of his local church, and he and his wife enjoy spending time with their 3 grown upchildren and any opportunity to be in the great outdoors. BACKGROUNDMarie is a Chartered Fellow CIPD, and Chartered Member CMI who combines strategicinsight, people expertise and commercial acumen, to change the way organisationsthink about their people.She has generalist HR experience gained in a variety of sectors, including charity andnon-profit. Currently specialising in Organisational Design. She focuses on customerexcellence and organisational effectiveness, developing diverse high performing teamsfor optimal performance. In her spare time, you will likely find her in a theatre, cinema, music concert or readinga book or two. When the weather permits she likes to be walking in the countryside orbeing somewhere close to or on water. She loves travelling to new places and has apassion for developing both herself and others.NAME: Marie MostaeddiROLE: Member of Board of Trustees and Chair of PeopleCommitteeSERVICE: Marie has been a Trustee since 2024BACKGROUNDJason brings extensive experience across the banking, finance and property sectors. Asthe owner and operator of several successful companies within these industries, he hasdeveloped a strong track record of leadership and strategic insight. Jason has been involved with our YMCA for over 15 years, contributing his expertise to arange of areas including asset management, finance, and stakeholder engagement. Hehas played a key role in supporting both internal teams and the wider leadership group,helping to strengthen the organisation’s operations and long-term sustainability. Mostrecently, Jason has deepened his commitment by joining the Board of Trustees, wherehe continues to provide valuable guidance and oversight.NAME: Jason FieldenROLE: Member of Board of Trustees, member of both theFinance, Audit and Risk Committee and the AssetManagement and Development Committee SERVICE: Jason has been a Trustee since 2025 BACKGROUNDRobert is the founder of IDEA Foundation and IDEA Design Hub CIC, co-founder ofPremedGo Healthcare Technologies, a Royal Institute of British Architects member and aHong Kong registered architect. He was the former Assistant Director of Hong Kong ShengKung Hui Welfare Council, responsible for designing and running elderly homes and socialenterprises promoting user participation in design to improve the quality of life.With his commitment to community development, school building projects andvolunteering works in developing countries (Cambodia, Nepal and India), Robert wasawarded Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2015, Hong Kong Redcross HumanityAward 2017 and Young Architect of the Year in the 7th Asia Pacific ElderCare InnovationAward in Singapore. Robert studied Executive MBA at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UrbanDevelopment Planning at the Bartlett, University College London and Architecture at theChinese University of Hong Kong. Robert's design works have won awards in international and Hong Kong architecturaldesign competitions. The participatory design projects that he promoted were invited byinternational organisations: including UN-Habitat, the World Health Organization, the AsianDevelopment Bank and the Union of International Architects, to present at the globalconference.NAME: Robert WongROLE: Member of Board of Trustees and Asset Management andDevelopment Committee SERVICE: Robert has been a Trustee since 2024 Executive team profilesBACKGROUNDMatt Jones is an accomplished CEO with over 25 years of leadership experience spanningthe private, public, and third sectors. With a strong academic foundation in commerce andpsychology, complemented by postgraduate qualifications, Matt brings a blend of strategicinsight and human understanding to this role. His professional journey includes impactfultenures across England, Scotland, and the USA, where he has consistently deliveredtransformational change and long-term strategic growth.Matt thrives on building high-performing, collaborative teams that are creative, resilient andfocused on delivering real-world outcomes. He has a proven track record in service designand innovation, and is passionate about creating value through purposeful leadership andculture-driven transformation.Known for his clarity of vision and empathetic leadership style, Matt combines analyticalthinking with a genuine commitment to people and progress. His experience navigatingcomplex organisational environments positions him as a dynamic and trusted leader inboth established and evolving sectors.Outside the professional sphere, Matt is deeply grounded in his faith and family. He findsinspiration and balance through his love of motorcycling, martial arts, and music - all ofwhich reflect his disciplined, adventurous and creative spirit.NAME: Matt JonesROLE: Chief Executive OfficerSERVICE: Matt joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group inFebruary 2024 BACKGROUNDRichard has over 28 years’ experience of the housing sector across Supported Housing andGeneral Needs Housing. Richard joined us from Notting Hill Genesis where he wasresponsible for housing management services to over 10,000 homes. Prior to that he led Genesis’ community investment activities, delivering a number ofinnovative activities, including designing the corporate social responsibility partnership withKier, leading a successful partnership bid to NESTA to deliver a peer mentoring service. Hewas also corporate lead for welfare reform. Richard has lots of experience of working withresidents to design and deliver improved services. Richard is a Board member for a SocialCare Charity. NAME: Richard BellisROLE: Director of HousingSERVICE: Richard joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2023BACKGROUNDCharlotte has a strong background in Health and Fitness, having progressed into seniormanagement roles within the sector. She has extensive multi-site experience and was partof the opening teams for leading venues, including the first five-star hotel at the Free TradeHall and the Hilton Heathrow.Her passion for developing others led her to establish a training provider within herorganisation, delivering courses in sales, customer service, first aid and fitnessqualifications. She later became UK Course Manager for a major fitness provider, overseeingtraining venues and course delivery nationwide.Charlotte joined the Y in October 2017 as Primary Services Manager, leading holiday andbreakfast clubs, birthday parties and community programmes. During the Covid pandemic,she became Head of Communities North and is currently Acting Director of Communities.Outside of work, she maintains an active lifestyle and is passionate about helping othersreach their potential.NAME: Charlotte CorbyROLE: Acting Director of CommunitiesSERVICE: Charlotte joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2017 BACKGROUNDLaura has worked in marketing and communications within the charity sector since 2008,always in the not-for-profit space. She joined YMCA Thames Gateway just seven weeksbefore the first Covid lockdown, bringing with her extensive experience from roles includingHead of Marketing and Communications at Saint Francis Hospice and a position within thecommunications team at the local NHS Trust.However, the role that most strongly connects her to our YMCA was her eight years at youthcharity The Prince’s Trust, where her passion for supporting young people was deeplyrooted.Laura describes herself as a "jack of all trades, master of none"—a mindset she sees asessential in the charity sector, where marcomms teams must be agile, hands-on, and readyto take on whatever comes their way.NAME: Laura CoyleROLE: Director of Marketing, Communications and FundraisingSERVICE: Laura joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2020BACKGROUNDGaniy joined our YMCA in March this year.She leads our financial and digital strategies to drive efficiency, sustainability, and socialimpact.Previously, she was Head of Finance at Habinteg Housing Association, overseeing financialplanning, compliance, and risk in asset management and development.Her earlier roles include senior finance positions at Shepherds Bush Housing Group, ClarionHousing Group, and Metropolitan Housing Trust Ltd. She also spent ten years at The City &Guilds Group in London, focusing on finance, skills development, and global mobility.Ganiy currently chairs the Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee at Invictus Education Trust,supporting governance and financial oversight.NAME: Ganiy DaroROLE: Director of Finance & ITSERVICE: Ganiyat joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2025 BACKGROUNDHeather was recently promoted to Acting Director of Governance, Quality & Compliance. Inthis elevated role, she leads on governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and qualityassurance, ensuring excellence, accountability, and alignment with best practices acrossthe organisation’s diverse services.Prior to this, Heather spent eight years as Executive Assistant, providing high-leveladministrative and organisational support to the Chief Executive and wider Executive team.Her deep institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to organisationaleffectiveness positioned her as a trusted and influential member of the leadership team,laying the foundation for her transition into strategic governance and complianceleadership.NAME: Heather StevensonROLE: Acting Director of Governance & StrategySERVICE: Heather joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2017BACKGROUNDRemi has worked in the professional field of Human Resources for over 20 years. Herknowledge and expertise cover a wide and diverse range of HR practices, organisational andpeople related issues. She has worked at senior leadership levels in a number of large NHSOrganisations including Bart’s NHS Trust, NHS Direct as well as a medium sized non-for-profit social enterprise. Remi is a full member of the UK Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) andholds the following qualifications; Master of Professional Studies (MA OrganisationalDevelopment) and Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management.NAME: Remi TonduROLE: Director of PeopleSERVICE: Remi joined YMCA Thames Gateway Group in 2015 Appointment processYMCA Thames Gateway Group invests time in the appointment process to maximise theeffectiveness of the charity’s governance. To express an interest in becoming a trustee, please send an up-to-date CV, togetherwith a supporting statement, explaining how you believe your experience and skills arerelevant and what you are able to bring to the role. Please send your application to PAMailbox@ymcatg.orgInterview process Shortlisted applicants will have the option to meet the Chief Executive and to see someof our services in action. A more formal interview may follow in order to establishwhether there is a good ‘fit’ with the organisation, followed by meeting current trusteesand attending a Board of Trustees meeting as an observer. YMCA Thames Gateway is serious about safeguarding; this role is subject to a standardDisclosure and Barring Service check. Get involved. Join our transformational community.Find out more about us at ymcatg.orgfacebook.com/ymcatginstagram.com/ymcatgURN007 © YMCA Thames Gateway GroupYMCA Thames Gateway Group is a registered charity, number 1133269
You
We’re looking for 2 passionate and proactive Housing Support Workers to join our progressive Housing team in Romford. You’ll support the day-to-day running of our hostel, helping young people who face social exclusion prepare for independent living. With experience in support work — such as drug recovery, working with offenders, or life skills training — you'll guide residents through personalised support plans, manage a caseload, and help them maintain their tenancies.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience supporting vulnerable or at-risk young people
- Strong communication and case management skills
- Ability to motivate and empower others
US
Thank you for your interest in finding out more about YMCA Thames Gateway Group. Whether you’re looking for your first role, coming back to work after a career break, or simply looking for a new challenge, we’re happy you’re considering us.
As a community-based organisation for over 150 years, we are a vibrant and ever-changing charity that offers inclusive programmes in health & wellbeing, childcare, housing and youth work. We are passionate about providing opportunities to those who are most in need. We successfully adapt to the needs of the communities in which we’re based – during the pandemic we were able to provide food hampers to families in need, childcare support to keyworkers, and stayed in touch with our senior citizens group who, for many, attending our social groups is a lifeline.
Our staff are dedicated to making other people’s lives better through the services we provide, so if this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we look forward to hearing from you.
Summary of Job Profile:
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time (37.5 days per week Monday - Friday)
- The Job Description and Person Specification can be found here: Housing Support Worker Romford JD.pdf
Additional Information: Please note YMCA Thames Gateway Group does not have a Sponsored Licence to recruit non-UK workers and therefore all candidates are expected to provide evidence that they are eligible and have the right to work in the UK.
YMCA Thames Gateway Staff Benefits:
To be considered for this role please click the 'Apply for this job button' at the top of this page. Please upload your CV to the system for the recruiting manager to review.
YMCA Thames Gateway is serious about safeguarding; this role will be subject to a Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.
At YMCA Thames Gateway we are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to Equal Opportunities. Therefore, we value the importance of diversity and positively welcome applicant from all members of the community. The Association is committed to ensuring that all current and potential staff, members, users and visitors are treated with dignity, fairness and respect regardless of their protected characteristics within the Equality Act (2010).
We strongly encourage applications from applicants of a BAME background, those with a disability and those who identify as LGTBQ+.