David Powles is to join St Martins as the charity’s new Chief Executive. David is a long-standing supporter of St Martins, having worked closely with us during his time as editor of the EDP, as a volunteer, and as a valued member of our Advisory Board. For the previous three years, David has been Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS), Norfolk’s leading social justice charity, helping thousands of people each year with issues including debt, welfare benefits, family law, domestic abuse and housing.
During his time leading the legal advice charity, the team achieved a period of significant growth and change, including a move to new premises, expansion of services into harder-to-reach communities across Norfolk, record numbers of clients accessing support and the organisation’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
David said: “I have loved my three years at NCLS. I feel incredibly proud of all that we have achieved during that time and the brilliant, dedicated and supportive team of colleagues, trustees and volunteers I’ve been able to work with.
“St Martins is also an excellent charity that I have long admired and worked with closely during the past 20 years. Few things in life are as important as having a roof over your head and I cannot wait to devote my energy into helping people in Norwich out of homelessness.”
David takes over from Dr Jan Sheldon as she retires her role at St Martins after eight years.
David said, “Jan has been a tremendous CEO for St Martins, as well as a great friend and mentor to me, and the city owes her a great debt for the efforts of her and the team around her. I know that she leaves the organisation in an incredibly strong position from which to carry on doing its vital work.”
Chair of trustees for St Martins Colin Bland said,
“The Trustees and I are delighted to be welcoming David as the new CEO of St Martins. David has been a great supporter of St Martins for many years; he has excellent local knowledge and well-established relationships across Norwich and Norfolk. I have every confidence that David will build on the great work that Jan has delivered over the last eight years. David, along with all our team members and Trustees, will continue to ensure that St Martins continues to play a significant role in ensuring that people sleeping rough, and any person finding themselves homeless, get the very best access to support and accommodation”.