3 Mar 2020

The charity and youth expert helping to shape the Alliance

The charity and youth expert helping to shape the Alliance news article image

Caroline has over 30 years’ experience of operating at Board level and delivering transformational change across hospitality, youth development, property, housing and social care. She added her expertise to the Alliance board three years ago.

Between 2009-2017 she was Chief Executive of one of the Alliance’s biggest members, the Youth Hostel Association. During this time Caroline was responsible for 1,300 staff and grew the volunteering number from 1,000 to 3,000.

Reflecting on her success, Caroline said: “I was exceptionally proud to modernise and transform the Youth Hostel Association into a vibrant charity with over 160 locations in England and Wales.

“I have always been dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities, especially for our youngest generations, and to lead such a famous organisation and to provide them with the chance to grow the reach and impact they had was an incredible honour”

Her passionate work in developing young people and improving their lives through sport and recreation was recognised with an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University in 2017.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Caroline added: “The strength and expertise of the Alliance board is fantastic. To know that I sit alongside colleagues from all backgrounds with equal gender representation, proves that we are leading the way on best practice.

“Whether it is providing the chance for young people to become more active or tackling societal issues within our communities, we all know that equality is essential.”

Caroline was most recently in position as interim CEO at ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity which offers emergency shelter for families who have lost their home and other vital items to help them rebuild their lives

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