Julian Thompson was today confirmed as the new Chair of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre, taking over the reins from Graham Powell who will remain as a Trustee.
On taking on the role, Julian said: “It’s an honour to be invited to serve as the next chair of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre. I look forward to working strategically with Nick Fellows (CEO) and the Board of Trustees to continue to build on the excellent work of its dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
“I’d also like to recognise and thank our outgoing chair, Graham Powell, for his diligent and dedicated leadership over the past four years, a period that included the various and unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID Pandemic.
“For many years, The Wokingham Volunteer Centre has played a key role in supporting residents and other voluntary organisations in Wokingham. Given the prevailing conditions, we recognise that services like ours are needed now more than ever.”
Graham Powell, as he steps down from the position of Chair, commented: “After nearly four years as Chair of The Wokingham Volunteer Centre it is time for me to return to the back benches of the Trustee Board. During this time we have moved offices (twice), said goodbye to Christine Knox, our Centre Manager, on her retirement, recruited Nick Fellows as our Chief Officer, and played a key role in the Wokingham Borough Covid Response.
“It has been a pleasure to work with our dedicated staff team, trustees, and our wonderful volunteers without whom none of this could have happened. I am delighted that the Trustee Board has selected Julian Thompson as Chair and wish him every success in leading the Board.”
Julian has lived in the Borough for many years and has a strong background leading and working with volunteers, in particular through his role as an ordained Minister. He led a church recognised by representatives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for charitable efforts in fundraising for a children’s hospice charity based in the county and has held several Board appointments. He is currently Editor in Chief of the Stanborough Press, holds a BA in Political Science and will shortly be submitting for a DPhil at Oxford University.