Workforce Development Trust appoints chair

National skills charity The Workforce Development Trust has appointed Natalie Campbell MBE as its incoming chair.

Natalie, co-chief executive of social enterprise Belu Water and chancellor of the University of Westminster, will take up the role on April 1. 

She brings board-level experience from organisations including the National Lottery Community Fund, the Civil Service Commission and Trussell.

At Belu, she has led the expansion of the ethical drinks business, increasing donations to its charity partner WaterAid to £6.1 million.

Her appointment strengthens the leadership of The Workforce Development Trust as it continues to support workforce and skills development across the UK.

Natalie said: “The Workforce Development Trust occupies a unique and valuable position in the not-for-profit sector, providing specialist workforce and skills-related research and consultancy services, qualifications and assessment.

“With a strong charitable mission at its core, The Workforce Development Trust plays a significant role in driving skills development, social mobility and supporting public services, and I look forward to working with the board of trustees, chief executive John Rogers and his team on an exciting new chapter of growth for the organisation.”

Outgoing Chair Jeremy Newman, who is stepping down after nine years of service, the maximum allowed under the charity’s constitution, added: “Natalie’s track record of driving innovation and growth to maximise social value is remarkable, both as a social entrepreneur and in her leadership roles at various local and national charities.

“I have no doubt that Natalie will shine as chair of The Workforce Development Trust, and I wish her all the very best in her future endeavours in supporting the charity’s vital contribution to the skills architecture of the UK.”

John Rogers, chief executive of The Workforce Development Trust, added: “Natalie’s impressive skillset and expertise will help to support The Workforce Development Trust to scale up and grow our impact across vital public services and sectors of the economy.

“A true champion of socially led, purposeful businesses, her lifelong dedication to accelerating social change resonates profoundly with our mission of harnessing the power of skills development to improve public services and drive social mobility.

“I look forward to working with Natalie over the coming years and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing chair, Jeremy Newman, for his stellar contribution to the charity which has seen it go from strength to strength.”

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