New CEO of Voluntary Norfolk announced
Voluntary Norfolk has announced that Michael Kitching will become the charity’s new CEO. For the last three years, Michael has been CEO of the charity Headway Norfolk and Waveney – an organisation that improves the lives of those impacted by brain injury.
About Michael Kitching
Incoming CEO of Voluntary Norfolk, Michael Kitching (credit Headway Norfolk and Waveney)
Prior to working as a CEO for Headway, Michael specialised in Fundraising and Public Affairs. He established new fundraising and public affairs departments for many different charities, campaigns and other non-profit organisations. He said he is very excited about joining Voluntary Norfolk and leading it on the next stage of its journey.
Voluntary Norfolk has been a fixture of the VCSE sector in Norfolk for over 50 years. Voluntary Norfolk helped pioneer volunteering locally, when in 1969 a group of young volunteers formed NOAH (The Norwich Organisation for Active Help), which travelled the city towing a Volunteer Bureau in a tiny caravan, from which they encouraged people to volunteer. From these humble origins the organisation grew and now has over 80 staff working in a variety of projects and services that support individuals and strengthen communities across Norfolk and beyond.
Response from outgoing CEO, Alan Hopley
Outgoing CEO, Alan Hopley, said:
Alan Hopley (outgoing CEO of Voluntary Norfolk)
“Heading up Voluntary Norfolk for the last nine years has been such an honour and pleasure. The role of course comes with its challenges, but also so many exciting opportunities to strengthen our communities, particularly through encouraging wider uptake of volunteering. I also know that Voluntary Norfolk makes a profound difference to peoples’ lives on a daily basis, especially among those who need help the most, like unpaid carers or those struggling with loneliness or social isolation. I wish Michael every success in carrying the baton forward as the new CEO of Voluntary Norfolk.”
Response from Chair of Trustees, John Arcbibald
Chair of the Trustees for Voluntary Norfolk, John Archibald, said:
John Archibal (Chair of Trustees)
“I am delighted that Michael has accepted the offer to become the new CEO of Voluntary Norfolk, which followed a thorough recruitment process involving both external partners and stakeholders as well as staff internally. Michael obviously has a strong understanding of the needs of the VCSE sector in Norfolk. I am confident that under his guidance Voluntary Norfolk will continue to grow and develop to meet the changing needs of our communities.
He continued:
The role of Chief Executive is an incredibly rewarding one. In fact, over the last nineteen years, Voluntary Norfolk has only had two CEOs. This is testimony to their loyalty and the amazing opportunities to do good in society, which this role affords. I know Michael will be supported by a dedicated group of trustees and a committed body of staff and under his leadership we look forward to seeing Voluntary Norfolk continue to work with people to strengthen communities and improve lives.”
