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Night Duty Team Manager
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Night Duty Team Manager
Youth Programmes Development Manager
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Youth Programmes Development Manager
Communications Manager
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Communications Manager
RSPS Service Manager
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RSPS Service Manager
Housing service manager
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Housing service manager
Volunteer Coordinator
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Volunteer Coordinator
Properties Manager
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Properties Manager
Client Finance and Customer Service Manager
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Client Finance and Customer Service Manager
Fundraising Manager
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Fundraising Manager
Communities Manager
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Communities Manager
HRS Manager
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HRS Manager
Deputy CEO
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Deputy CEO
Becky Parke is Deputy Chief Executive of YMCA Cheshire, with strategic responsibility for the development, delivery and impact of services across the region. She leads housing, children, families and community provision, alongside driving organisational performance, innovation and continuous improvement to ensure services deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes.
Becky began her career with YMCA Cheshire over 14 years ago as a Housing Coach and has progressed through a number of senior roles including Housing Manager and Head of Housing Services and Impact, before being appointed Deputy CEO. She brings extensive experience in designing and leading services that support individuals and communities, with particular expertise in developing inclusive, person-centred approaches that enable people to achieve positive, long-term change.
She holds a Bachelorโs degree in Psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University, a Level 3 qualification in Counselling, and a Level 5 Diploma in Housing and Property Management from the Chartered Institute of Housing. Becky is motivated by the service users and communities YMCA Cheshire supports, and is passionate about creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys walking in nature and is known as the YMCA hula hoop champion.
Head of Housing Support
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Head of Housing Support
Rhian McKnight is Head of Housing Support at YMCA Cheshire, where she leads the delivery and development of supported housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. As part of the senior leadership team, Rhian is responsible for ensuring that services are high-quality, person-centred and responsive to the complex needs of the communities YMCA Cheshire serves.
Rhian came to YMCA Cheshire in 2012 as a Social Work student from the University of Staffordshire before officially joining in 2013. She has since built over a decade of experience within the organisation beginning her career in housing support, she has progressed through a range of roles including Care Experienced Young People and Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers Support, Housing Support Manager and Senior Housing Support Manager, before becoming Head of Housing Support.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Social Work, a Level 4 Certificate in Housing and Property Management from the Chartered Institute of Housing, and is trained in trauma-informed practice and safeguarding. Rhian is passionate about challenging negative perceptions of YMCA Cheshireโs service users and the organisation, and is committed to advocating for those she supports. Outside of work, she loves live music events, festivals and weekends away in the van!
Housing service manager
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Housing service manager
Communities Manager
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Communities Manager
HRS Manager
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HRS Manager
Youth Programmes Development Officer
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Youth Programmes Development Officer
Chief Executive Officer
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Chief Executive Officer
Mark Hills is the Chief Executive of YMCA Cheshire, bringing over 29 yearsโ employed experience within the YMCA movement and wider housing and charity sector. He has worked across a number of YMCA organisations nationally, including in Maidstone, Reading, Newbury, West Berkshire, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Bournemouth, Suffolk, Essex, Crewe and Cheshire developing extensive expertise in supported housing, homelessness services, youth and community work and operational leadership.
Prior to his current role, Mark served as Director of Housing at YMCA Suffolk and earlier in his career held positions including Deputy Manager at West Berkshire Foyer. He was appointed CEO of YMCA Crewe in 2017 and has since played a key role in leading the organisationโs growth and transition into YMCA Cheshire, bringing together services across Crewe, Congleton and Macclesfield to strengthen impact across the region.
Mark has significant experience in developing partnership-based housing pathways and services that support individuals experiencing homelessness to achieve positive, long-term outcomes. His leadership has focused on expanding provision, strengthening collaboration with local agencies, and ensuring that services respond effectively to community needs.
He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from the University of Kent and a Masterโs degree in Civil Society Organisations from ISCTE โ University Institute of Lisbon. Alongside his executive role, Mark is actively involved in the wider community. He has contributed to the development of Creweโs Business Improvement District and served on the Crewe Town Board, where he supports initiatives aimed at driving investment, regeneration and improved opportunities for local residents.
Mark is passionate about the role YMCA plays in enabling people to belong, contribute and thrive, and is committed to strengthening inclusive communities and life-changing support services across Cheshire.
Deputy CEO
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Deputy CEO
Becky Parke is Deputy Chief Executive of YMCA Cheshire, with strategic responsibility for the development, delivery and impact of services across the region. She leads housing, children, families and community provision, alongside driving organisational performance, innovation and continuous improvement to ensure services deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes.
Becky began her career with YMCA Cheshire over 14 years ago as a Housing Coach and has progressed through a number of senior roles including Housing Manager and Head of Housing Services and Impact, before being appointed Deputy CEO. She brings extensive experience in designing and leading services that support individuals and communities, with particular expertise in developing inclusive, person-centred approaches that enable people to achieve positive, long-term change.
She holds a Bachelorโs degree in Psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University, a Level 3 qualification in Counselling, and a Level 5 Diploma in Housing and Property Management from the Chartered Institute of Housing. Becky is motivated by the service users and communities YMCA Cheshire supports, and is passionate about creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys walking in nature and is known as the YMCA hula hoop champion.
Head of People and Culture
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Head of People and Culture
Rachel Miller is Head of People and Culture at YMCA Cheshire, where she leads the organisationโs people strategy and is responsible for developing a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture. As part of the senior leadership team, Rachel oversees all aspects of human resources, organisational development and staff wellbeing, ensuring that YMCA Cheshire attracts, develops and retains a skilled and motivated workforce.
Rachel has been with YMCA Cheshire for over 14 years, beginning her journey as a Female Activities Worker. She has since held a variety of roles including GLO Academy Co-ordinator, GLO Cafรฉ Manager and HR Manager, progressing to Head of People and Culture. Her broad experience across the organisation gives her a strong understanding of both operational delivery and workforce development.
She holds a BA in Physical Education and a Level 5 People Manager Degree Apprenticeship. Rachel is motivated by making a positive impact and being part of meaningful change within communities. Outside of work, she is known for her love of socks, ketchup and donuts.
Head of Fundraising and Governance
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Head of Fundraising and Governance
Josh Walker-Brooks is Head of Fundraising and Governance at YMCA Cheshire, with responsibility for leading income generation and ensuring strong governance, compliance and organisational assurance. He also manages the fundraising and communications team, supporting the development of campaigns and engagement strategies that raise awareness, build support and strengthen YMCA Cheshireโs profile across the region.
Josh joined YMCA Cheshire in 2016 as a Maintenance Officer and has since progressed through a number of roles including GLOScape Co-ordinator and Fundraising Officer, and Fundraising and Projects Manager, before being appointed Head of Fundraising and Governance in 2022. His broad experience across the organisation provides him with a strong understanding of both operational delivery and strategic development.
Prior to his work with YMCA Cheshire, Josh spent nine years as a musician touring the UK in two Christian bands. He also worked as a lecturer in Pauline Studies and Old Testament Studies at Light College and Collective, co-led a church plant in Crewe, and served as a Trustee for YMCA England & Wales. These experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, communication and community engagement.
Josh holds a First Class BA (Hons) in Theology and an MA with Distinction in Theology. He also holds qualifications in Strategic Leadership and Management (Level 4), Foundations for Ministry (Level 4), Coaching for Professionals (Level 3), and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Level 2), and is a qualified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor. He is currently undertaking PhD research in Theology.
Josh is motivated by a desire to see positive change in the world and is driven by the belief that every person has value and deserves to live a happy and healthy life. His faith underpins his commitment to social justice, renewal and the transformative power of community.
Outside of work, Josh is an avid reader, enjoys going to the cinema, and values time spent with his family, including his two daughters and his American wife.
Head of Finance and Business
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Head of Finance and Business
Head of Housing Support
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Head of Housing Support
Rhian McKnight is Head of Housing Support at YMCA Cheshire, where she leads the delivery and development of supported housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. As part of the senior leadership team, Rhian is responsible for ensuring that services are high-quality, person-centred and responsive to the complex needs of the communities YMCA Cheshire serves.
Rhian came to YMCA Cheshire in 2012 as a Social Work student from the University of Staffordshire before officially joining in 2013. She has since built over a decade of experience within the organisation beginning her career in housing support, she has progressed through a range of roles including Care Experienced Young People and Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers Support, Housing Support Manager and Senior Housing Support Manager, before becoming Head of Housing Support.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Social Work, a Level 4 Certificate in Housing and Property Management from the Chartered Institute of Housing, and is trained in trauma-informed practice and safeguarding. Rhian is passionate about challenging negative perceptions of YMCA Cheshireโs service users and the organisation, and is committed to advocating for those she supports. Outside of work, she loves live music events, festivals and weekends away in the van!
Head of Data and Impact
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Head of Data and Impact
Emily Welden is Head of Data and Impact at YMCA Cheshire, where she leads the organisationโs approach to streamlining operational practices and enhancing our data, insight and impact measurement. As part of the senior leadership team, Emily is responsible for ensuring that robust processes and data sources underpin service delivery, enabling YMCA Cheshire to demonstrate outcomes, improve performance and maximise its impact across the communities it serves.
Emily joined YMCA Cheshire in September 2025 as Executive Assistant to the CEO and HR Administrator, bringing with her over 10 yearsโ experience in Operations Management and EA positions. She has since progressed into her current role, where she plays a key part in strengthening the organisationโs use of data to drive data-led decision-making and improve services.
She holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Contemporary Media, as well as an MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Emily is motivated by making complex and challenging work easier for others, using data and insight to support efficiency and impact. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, dachshund and traveling (especially to her homeland – Ireland).
Head of Housing Quality and Compliance
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Head of Housing Quality and Compliance
Paul Morgan is Head of Housing Quality and Compliance at YMCA Cheshire, with responsibility for ensuring that housing services meet the highest standards of safety, quality and regulatory compliance. He leads on property compliance, risk management and quality assurance, overseeing areas including gas, electrical, fire safety, asbestos and water hygiene, and works closely with colleagues, contractors and external regulators to drive continuous improvement and maintain safe, high-quality living environments for residents.
Paul brings a wealth of experience across housing, safeguarding and community services. He began his career in the education sector, progressing from Learning Support Assistant to Behaviour Manager and Key Skills Tutor, before moving into childrenโs residential care where he worked as a Care and Support Worker and Assistant Care Home Manager. He went on to spend 10 years in local authority roles, covering childrenโs safeguarding, homelessness services and housing management, and developed specialist expertise in supporting care leavers to access and sustain accommodation. Paul has also led multi-agency initiatives, including MAPPA and Integrated Offender Management housing programmes, and served as Strategic Lead for Youth Violence and Vulnerability, working in partnership with police and other stakeholders to improve outcomes for young people.
Prior to joining YMCA Cheshire, Paul worked as Quality and Compliance Manager for Exempt Accommodation, supporting providers to deliver safe, effective housing and support services. He also took a planned career break, during which he returned to his trade roots as a builder and landscape gardener, further developing practical skills in property maintenance and project delivery.
Paul holds NVQ Level 3 qualifications in Supporting Adult Literacy and Children and Young People, a National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, and is working towards an NVQ Level 4 and a CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing. He is motivated by giving back to his local community and making a meaningful difference to peopleโs lives. He is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments, and takes pride in helping others build confidence and succeed.
Outside of work, Paul coaches a local junior rugby team, plays touch rugby and enjoys performing stand-up comedy and script writing.
Chair
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Chair
Phil Pitcher (Chair)ย studied Art and Design, before working with young offenders providing Intermediate Treatment in Hertfordshire. He then spent 15 years managing BBC property in West London for TV production. Afterward, he spent 25 years running projects for major international clients including IBM, British Council, BP, UKAEA and Ericsson, building new facilities for R&D offices, test labs, and data halls in Western Europe. Throughout his career, Phil has been part of, and led teams of talented individuals He believes that the most successful projects can only be achieved by enabling people to realise their full potential.
Vice Chair
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Vice Chair
Angelo Apa (Vice Chair)ย spent over 35 years in the IT industry, including twenty five years in IBM and Lenovo. He spent time in UK, Paris, Zurich and in Johannesburg working with and leading a number of teamsย and divisions and retired from corporate life in September 2023.ย ย He has started additional ventures including a coffee company in South Africa which was then given to the employees enabling them to go on and build a better life for theirย familiesย He was a Formula 1 marshal for 13 years, a motor boat skipper and sailor, a photographer and now focuses on driving a historic rally car with his wife as navigator, maintaining an ability to ski faster than his age, running and playing the guitar really badly.ย Angelo has joined us as a Trustee, given his desire to help us to offer an ever increasing benefit to the community and the best possible outcomes to the service users.
Trustee
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Trustee
Mitchell Long works for the Independent Monitoring Boards and Lay Observers, two organisations that scrutinise the Ministry of Justice and Home Office, where he is responsible for their policy impact. He particularly focuses on influencing changes to national legislation, departmental policy and operational practice within prisons, courts, immigration detention and charter removal flights.
His career and voluntary work have focused on fairness, accountability, and helping systems better serve vulnerable people, including through previous roles as a trustee, patient and carer Governor at Leighton hospital, and through various voluntary roles to monitor prisons and police custody suites.
As a former resident of the Gresty Road site, Mitchell knows first-hand the safety and support YMCA Cheshire provides and is passionate about helping others rebuild and thrive.
Trustee
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Trustee
Becky Hurstย is a community development worker with the Church of England parishes in Crewe. Before taking on this role, she worked in community fundraising and campaigning across the North West of England with an international development agency. Having been a volunteer manager and a volunteer she is passionate about working with volunteers and giving everyone the best possible opportunities. She has attended church in Crewe throughout her life, when living in the town. When not working she volunteers with the British Red Cross in various roles supporting people in crisis and attempting to be creative with anything from paint to Lego.
Trustee
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Trustee
Jamie Murinasย is the Assistant Director of Asset Management and PMO at Royal Voluntary Service, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes Procurement, Programme Management, Estates, Sustainability, Health & Safety. With extensive knowledge in retail, operations, logistics, negotiations, and property management, he plays a pivotal role in enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency across the organisation, contributing significantly to its mission. After several years in various sectors, Jamie brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role. Despite not being a fan of running, he has completed two marathons as personal challenges, embodying his belief that everybody can grow if given the opportunity. This philosophy underpins his approach to leadership and community engagement, driving positive change within the organisation and the communities it serves.
Trustee
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Trustee
Dr Aswin Sayiram Subramanian Janakiraman,ย Chief Operating Officer at Apollo Education UK, brings a strong background in emergency medicine, healthcare leadership, and strategic planning. Passionate about building accessible, person-centred systems, he offers valuable expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and improving service delivery. His approach to leadership is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a strong commitment to building resilient, healthy communities. As a Trustee at YMCA Cheshire, Dr Aswin is committed to supporting our mission through compassionate leadership, operational insight, and a focus on empowering young people and vulnerable individuals to thrive.