As the National Youth Agency moves forward with its ambitious new five-year strategy, which aims to evidence the value of youth work and attract new entrants to the sector, four new trustees join the board bringing expertise in the areas of finance, accounting, audit, governance, marketing and communications.
Laura Bates, Client Director at communications consultancy Kallaway; Nick Caplin, former Director of Communications at Amazon; Nick Frost, Senior Partner at KPMG and Owen Purcell, former Managing Partner at Ernst & Young LLP will support the NYA as it continues to inform policy makers on the value of youth work, as well as working with training providers and funders to build the capacity and sustainability of the sector.
Laura Bates, Client Director at award-winning communications consultancy Kallaway, brings over 15 years’ experience in shaping impactful communications for prominent organisations across the charity, culture, and nonprofit sectors, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Museum of London. Laura has also served as a Governor at a London secondary school, where she led the Safeguarding and Inclusion Committee and supported the school’s senior team throughout the pandemic.
A consistent advocate for young people, Laura is especially dedicated to supporting those from marginalised backgrounds and championing initiatives that promote wellbeing and mental health.
Laura said: “I am thrilled to join the National Youth Agency as a trustee at such a pivotal time. Empowering young people and ensuring they have the support and opportunities they need to thrive has never been more critical. I look forward to working alongside a dedicated team to champion youth work across the UK and be part of making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.”
Nick Caplin, former Director of Communications at Amazon, is an experienced PR and communications professional, with a specialism in the gaming, sports, retail and entertainment sectors.
Nick has over 20 years’ experience working in communications for global brands, including Sony PlayStation. He also worked in the not-for-profit sector, as Chief Development Officer for Swim England. Growing up, youth groups played a very important role in Nick’s life, both as a member of a youth club and then later, as a youth leader. Nick is passionate about providing young people with opportunities to be part of communities that support and encourage them to be themselves.
Nick said, “I am incredibly excited and proud to be part of the NYA and look forward to supporting them at this important juncture for both the organisation, as well as for society. Young people need help now more than ever and the NYA has a vital role to play. I truly believe we can make a huge positive impact and am humbled to be part of that.“
Nick Frost, Senior Partner, Head of Audit, Consumer Goods & Retail Sector at KPMG, is a chartered accountant with 30 years financial services experience operating at the ‘coalface’ with large teams and supporting global PLCs at Board level. Nick specialises in audit and related services, primarily to the fast-moving consumer goods sector, with experience supporting large multi-listed global groups. Nick pioneered KPMG’s collaboration with Auticon (an organisation which works with individuals with Autism to place them within the technology sector and optimise their supreme data analysis skills). He is also a trustee of a Regional Scout Association.
Nick explained, “This opportunity means far more to me than just a role, it strikes at the very heart of my aim to give back to young people and society. The transition to adulthood has never been more fragile and youth workers play a fundamental part in influencing that journey. Youth workers are a long-term solution providing a sustainable positive impact for the next generation.”
Owen Purcell, former Managing Partner at Ernst & Young (EY) LLP is a recognised leader in governance risk and business strategy working with FTSE 100 and Fortune 1000 clients and internally at Ernst & Young working at government, regulator and board level, globally. Owen has extensive experience managing change programmes and advising governments, international organisations and major companies on governance issues. Currently, he is Chair of the Board at Uniac, Chair of the Audit Committee and Non-executive Director at Innovate UK Loans Ltd and Independent Member of the Finance Committee at Audit Wales. As County Lead Volunteer he leads a team of volunteers providing scouting experiences to young people across five boroughs in London. Owen is also board trustee and chair of the audit and risk committee at AbilityNet, a charity that supports people with disabilities to use technology.
Owen said “I am thrilled to be asked to join the NYA at this important time. I have long admired the NYA for the incredible work they have done for our youth, having seen this first hand in my scouting roles. I very much view my role as a way of paying back those who helped me in my formative years as well as paying forward and having a positive impact on the next generation.”
Leigh Middleton, Chief Executive, NYA, said: “We are delighted to welcome such talented and passionate advocates onto the trustee board. Their collective knowledge and experience will be a huge asset to the NYA, helping to steer the charity through unchartered waters, keeping us focussed on our core purpose to grow and sustain the youth work sector, whilst remaining open and responsive to opportunities.
“Over the past five years the NYA has more than doubled in size, and our trustees play a key role in harnessing all the opportunities available to demonstrate the value of youth work to deliver better health and wellbeing for more young people and improve their life chances.”
