Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) has today announced that Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce will be taking the reigns as the new Chief Executive of the national membership body for voluntary organisations in Wales.
Lindsay Cordery-Bruce is currently the Chief Executive of Welsh homelessness charity, The Wallich, a role she has held for the past six years. Lindsay will take over from current CEO, Ruth Marks in May who is retiring after 40 years in the voluntary and public sectors.
Making the announcement on St David’s Day, Dr Neil Wooding CBE, Chair of the Trustee Board of WCVA, said:
‘Lindsay brings a wealth of experience as a charity CEO and leader. Her passion for the voluntary sector shines through and her leadership style aligns with our values to trust and empower our staff to support the sector.
‘She is a fitting successor to Ruth Marks who has led WCVA for over nine years and been dedicated to the wider sector throughout her career.
‘Lindsay joins the organisation at the start of our 90th anniversary year and at a time when the voluntary sector needs WCVA to champion our cause with partners across Wales and the UK more than ever before.’
Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said:
‘I am delighted and excited to join the excellent team at WCVA. I've been an advocate of WCVA for many years and I would like to extend my personal thanks to Ruth Marks for her support and everything she has taught me over the years.
‘The voluntary sector faces so many challenges and opportunities ahead, which we'll meet head on with innovation and passion. I have unwavering belief that the answers to the problems we face in Wales are already within our communities and can be harnessed through co-production and community involvement.
‘This will be a big change for me and I have a lot to learn, but I feel confident we can continue to take WCVA from strength to strength with collaboration and partnership.’
About Lindsey
Following a lengthy career with particular expertise in the substance misuse field, Lindsay has spent the last six years tackling homelessness as Chief Executive of The Wallich.
Lindsay began her career as a volunteer after experiencing homelessness, and has worked at the Probation Service, setting up the first alcohol arrest referral service in the UK, and in a Community Safety Partnership. Lindsay has a professional doctorate in Applied Psychology.
Lindsay served on the board of WCVA for eight years, stepping down in November 2023. She continues to serve on the board of Tai Pawb, promoting equality in housing settings. Lindsay volunteers with Hedgehog Helpline, operating the phone line and rehabilitating hedgehogs.
Lindsay is happily married to Lisa, with two step children, two dogs, four chickens and about 200,000 bees. In her spare time she lifts weights, enjoys boxing and is a DIY enthusiast.
