Our Chair, Hayley, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex Baldwin, Sean Rayner, and Nick Stubbs to our Board of Trustees. They bring with them a huge amount of cross-sector experience, from senior roles within the commercial, public, and VCSE sectors, and I know this will strengthen our skill set as a governing body and bring fresh perspectives at a key time for Nova. I am already enjoying working with all three of them and I am incredibly grateful that such skilled and dedicated people have chosen to join our team.”

With new trustees and funding secured for new projects that will support the resilience of the VCSE organisations here in Wakefield District, we’re taking big steps towards our vision of building and sustaining a vibrant VCSE sector in our district.

We also wanted to share that Peter Taylor from Wakefield Civic Society and Simon Topham from Citizens Advice Wakefield District have made the decision to step down from their roles as trustees. We fully support their decision to step back at this time and want to thank them both for their insight as local VCSE leaders that has helped us to show up for local organisations in the best way possible.

Maddy, Nova’s CEO, shared: “I would like to express my huge thanks for their considerable contributions to Nova and for the care, wisdom, ambition, significant support and not a small amount of humour they have brought to their roles. Their dedication has been greatly valued and we are immensely grateful for the positive impact they have had. We wish them both every success and good health for the future.”

Meet Our New Trustees

Alex Baldwin

Alex works in the private sector at Virgin Media O2 where he oversees communications to more than 13 million customers, bringing significant experience in data management to Nova’s Board. This includes thinking carefully about risk, oversight and accountability in an environment where trust is critical.

Alex said: “I’m keen to contribute to strategic conversations about sustainability, governance and long-term resilience, while also learning more about the local landscape and challenges. I’m at a point in my career where I finally have the time and headspace to give something back.”

Nick Stubbs

Nick is the Founder of Open Roam, a Wakefield based CIC that supports leaders and organisations through nature based coaching and connection to blue and green space.

He brings experience in financial management, facilitation and organisational development, alongside strategic and operational insight shaped over three decades working in the technology sector and wider private industry, both in the UK and internationally.

Nick said: “Through Open Roam CIC, and through my work coaching and mentoring leaders across sectors and across borders, I have seen how powerful it is when individuals and organisations are supported to grow with clarity, confidence, and care. Our work at Open Roam uses blue and green space as a regulating force - helping people slow down, reconnect, and lead with more grounded intention.

Nova plays that role at a system level, strengthening the foundations that allow the whole VCSE ecosystem to thrive. I am motivated by the chance to contribute to an organisation that champions community voices. I am particularly interested in how the Board can help shape a future where community organisations are not only resourced but genuinely heard and valued as equal partners.”

Sean Rayner

Sean held senior leadership positions in NHS organisations for over 30 years, most recently as District Director for Wakefield & Barnsley at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. In that time Sean has been an ally to the VCSE sector and recognised its contribution to the health and care system.

Sean brings significant knowledge that will support our partnership work, alongside experience in strategic planning, governance, service development and finance management.