Ian Blackford, Chair of our Trustees, Q & A

Can you tell us about your professional and personal journey so far, and how it has prepared you for the role of Chair at YMCA St Paul’s Group? 

Like many people I’ve been privileged to hold many interesting roles professionally, including as a Director of Communications in the NHS since 2010, alongside serving my community – as a former local councillor in Westminster where I gained first-hand experience of issues facing homeless people in London.

What motivated you to take on the role of Chair of Trustees with YMCA St Paul’s Group, and what does this organisation mean to you personally? 

I was struck by the scale and impact of YMCA St Paul’s Group – supporting, as we do, over 1,600 people annually through our supported housing services.  I was very impressed by the calibre and dedication of other board members, and it’s a privilege to have been appointed Chair of Trustees.  The Christian ethos of the organisation also resonates with me.

Which aspects of YMCA St Paul’s Group’s mission and values—such as supporting young people, strengthening communities, and promoting wellbeing—inspired you to join the Board? 

I think all aspects of what we do are important, from providing supported housing to young people, to broader social aims around health and well-being through our community nurseries and gyms.  I am aware that the heritage of YMCA St Paul’s group is very special in this regard.

What is your vision for YMCA St Paul’s Group’s impact over the next few years, particularly in areas such as youth services, supported housing, health and wellbeing?

I would love there to be more services we could offer, especially in the housing space, given the acute shortage of housing in London.  This is a crisis that’s not going away, and organisations like YMCA St Paul’s Group play a central role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society through our housing offer.

How do you see YMCA St Paul’s Group responding to emerging needs within the communities we support across London and beyond? 

I am struck by how much working with our partners plays such a central role, including with other YMCAs and local authority commissioners.  As Chair I am keen to do all that I can to support these partnerships to ensure that St Paul’s Group is as influential and impactful as possible when it comes to planning services for the future.

How do you hope to support and empower fellow Trustees to bring their diverse skills, insights, expertise and lived experiences to the Board’s work? 

Our board’s strength is, I think, its diversity of experience and skills, and I am keen to do more to bring even more skills onto the board when vacancies arise – especially to help the board understand more about the lived experience of the people we support.

What are you most excited about as you begin your journey with YMCA St Paul’s Group? 

It’s already been very exciting, meeting with residents, staff and colleagues from some other YMCAs.  I had a particularly enjoyable time at YMCA St Paul’s Group Stars Awards recently, meeting winners from across the organisation, and having an opportunity to thank them for all they do on behalf of our residents and the wider community.

What experiences have most influenced your approach to leadership within the charity sector, and how do they inform your role as Chair? 

I am able to bring a wide range of professional and lived experiences into my roles in the charity sector and here as Chair of YMCA St Paul’s Group, for example my professional leadership experience serving on NHS boards, and my 20 years serving previously as a local councillor and, through that, my advocacy for the LGBT+ community and other groups at risk of being unheard.

Outside of your work in the sector, what activities or interests inspire and energise you? 

I am fortunate that I have regular opportunities to run and keep fit in my local park, which is a direct source of energy!   With my partner, Christopher, we enjoy a wide circle of friends and enjoy making the most of London’s cultural attractions – when time allows!

What message would you like to share with our supporters, residents, young people, partners and wider community as you begin your role? 

I would want to say to them all how much they play a critical part in making YMCA St Paul’s Group what it is – alongside our fabulous staff and volunteers.  Thank you.