Nottingham youth charity appoints chief executive officer

Nottingham youth charity, Base 51, has appointed Darren York as chief executive officer after Jo Jepson announced she was stepping down earlier this year.

Base 51 has selected Darren York to take over leadership of the charity for the next chapter.

York is an experienced chief executive and trustee who has worked for more than 27 years in the not-for-profit sector, beginning as a volunteer with The Conservation Volunteers and working his way up to CEO in 2017.

He has knowledge in strategic leadership, driving growth, developing people and managing operational delivery as well as a passion for supporting young people.

Base 51 has been providing support for 11-25 year olds in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for over 30 years, with a focus on mental health and reducing social isolation through counselling and youth club programmes.

York said: “There are so many challenges facing young people today. Widening inequality, high levels of division and intolerance, the climate emergency, and the long-term impact of the recent pandemic, to name just a few. It’s thanks to the dedication and expertise of local charities like Base 51, that many young people in Nottingham are enabled to overcome such challenges and reach their potential.  I am proud and delighted to be joining the Base 51 team, and looking forward to helping them build on everything they have achieved under Jo Jepson’s inspirational leadership.”

Peter Morley, chair of the trustees said: “We are incredibly grateful for the work that Jo Jepson has done over the last 8 years at Base 51, and we are looking forward to the future with Darren at the helm. It’s a difficult landscape for charities with funding, but with a strong team behind him and Darren’s knowledge and skill set, we are confident in the continued high quality provision of Base 51 services to young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. All of Base 51 wishes Jo the best for her future, and warmly welcomes Darren to the charity”