NYAS appoints Sir Mark Hedley as its new chair of the board of trustees.

Sir Mark will take over as the chair of trustees in December 2020 replacing retiring outgoing chair Barry Hulme.

Sir Mark Hedley practiced as a barrister for many years in Liverpool. He was appointed a full-time Circuit Judge in 1992 and from 1997 to 2002 was responsible for judicial training in family law. As a High Court Judge, 2002- 2013, he presided over many cases which attracted media reporting and comment. He also had management responsibility for other judges both in Wales and then in Greater London. Sir Mark has now officially retired.

Sir Mark Hedley said, “I am looking forward to joining NYAS as the chair of its board of trustees, having supported the charity. NYAS is highly regarded as a leading children’s rights-based charity”

Commenting on the appointment, Rita Waters said, “As Group CEO of NYAS England and Wales, I am truly delighted Sir Mark Hedley will be joining NYAS as our new chair. He brings a wealth of expertise and experience which will help us to continue on our journey of growth. I would also like to thank our outgoing chair, Barry Hulme, for his unwavering dedication and support to champion the needs of care experienced children and young people and wish him a wonderful retirement.”

Barry Hulme said, “The appointment of Sir Mark as my successor is a great one for NYAS. It is wonderful we have been able to attract someone of Sir Mark’s calibre and I know he has the passion, experience and skills to help lead the future development of NYAS as it delivers its new strategic vision for the charity.”