An important farewell - saying thank you and goodbye to Carol Sweetenham as Aspire's Chair of Trustees

After ten years as Chair and an involvement with Aspire going back to its foundation, Carol Sweetenham will be stepping down as Chair of Aspire's Trustee Board on 28th February, and moving on to Homeless Oxfordshire to take up a role as their Chair.

William Smith, Chair of Aspire's strategy, governance and risk sub-committee, has agreed to take on the responsibility of interim Chair whilst the Board goes out to recruit a permanent replacement.

Carol says: “After such a long involvement with Aspire this is a big change. I was there at the start and, my goodness me, haven’t we come a long way in two decades! Needless to say I will miss the organisation and what makes it so special: the Aspire team and the pride they take in what they do. That said, no Chair should outstay their welcome. I am delighted to be able to stay involved with a sector to which I am committed, and honoured that Homeless Oxfordshire have asked me to become their Chair. I am sure the two organisations will want to continue to work together to deliver what we are all here to do: support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. I hope I will have an opportunity to say goodbye, and leave Aspire with my very best wishes for the future.”

Paul Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Aspire, said of Carol's departure: "Carol and I have worked very closely together over the last 10 years in the CEO-Chair partnership; I want to take this opportunity to give my deep and sincere thanks for her support, commitment, kindness and leadership she has shown to me and to the charity. I'm also looking forward to working closely with William to provide ongoing shared leadership and continuity to Aspire!"