YMCA North Staffordshire Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

YMCA North Staffordshire appoints new Chief Executive Officer to lead next chapter of growth and impact

YMCA North Staffordshire has announced the appointment of Nicky Twemlow as its new Chief Executive Officer. Nicky will officially take up the role on 1 April 2026, leading the charity into an exciting new chapter focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and deepening its impact across the communities it serves.

Nicky succeeds Daniel Flynn, who is stepping down after 23 years of dedicated and transformational leadership. During his tenure, YMCA North Staffordshire has grown significantly, extending its reach to support thousands of young people and families through housing, education, health and wellbeing initiatives, and youth development programmes.

Peter Dartford, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:

‘I am extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Nicky Twemlow as the next Chief Executive Officer of YMCA North Staffordshire. Nicky has worked for our YMCA for 19 years and is currently our Director of Communities and Partnerships. In that role, Nicky led the recent City-wide consultation exercise, where we engaged with 3,000 young people to explore their lived experiences, aspirations and concerns regarding their future and the city they call home. Nicky will now play a leading role in delivering the changes that those young people have clearly identified are needed, as well as ensuring that YMCA North Staffordshire continues to provide support to those in need to help the young people of Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire to thrive and realise their full potential.’

The appointment comes at a time of continued growth for YMCA North Staffordshire, including the recent opening of Hope Court accommodation and the Youth Hub, expanding safe housing, creative opportunities, and support for young people aged 16–25.

Nicky Twemlow, New Chief Executive Officer, said:

‘I feel incredibly humbled and honoured to have been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of YMCA North Staffordshire. It is a real privilege to be trusted by the Board of Trustees, our staff team and the young people to take on this role. Stoke-on-Trent has always been a place built on community, resilience and looking out for one another, and YMCA plays a vital part in that story. I care deeply about this city and the young people who call it home, and I am committed to making sure they feel supported, valued and full of hope for their future. I’m honoured to build on the legacy of our outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Flynn, whose leadership has strengthened the organisation and its impact across North Staffordshire. I’m excited for what comes next as we continue working together to create opportunities and brighter futures for young people’.