Alastair Wilson joins the Foyer Federation as Chair of Trustees

We are delighted to announce that Alastair Wilson, Chief Executive of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, has joined the Foyer Federation as the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Alastair has led SSE’s world-leading approach to social entrepreneur support since joining the organisation in 2003. In those 17 years, he has also pioneered a new approach to match funding, set up a retirement community, and gained significant Trustee experience with organisations including The Cabrach Trust, Sheila McKechnie Foundation, and Access.

 
Can you tell us a bit about your background?

“I’ve been the Chief Executive of the School for Social Entrepreneurs since 2003. SSE has grown into a national and international network, supporting over 1,000+ people a year develop the skills, strengths, and networks they need to tackle society’s biggest problems. SSE has pioneered www.matchtrading.com designed to support the trading resilience of social enterprises. I am also the co-founder and a board member of www.tonichousing.org.uk the UK’s first LGBT retirement community, and a board member of the www.cabrachtrust.org, a Social Enterprise Distillery and Heritage Centre we are building in my native Scottish Highlands. I live in Kennington, South London with my partner Tedi and our dog Nino!”

What brought you to the Foyer Federation?

“I have always admired the work of Foyers, from a distance. In particular Advantaged Thinking, which to my mind can really change lives. I love the culture Joel has created and the energy of a small but growing movement and an organisation punching way above its weight!”

What are your hopes, goals or ambitions for the organisation?

“It’s clear from the folk that I have met that the future of the Foyer movement is in safe hands. The passion and shared values from residents and members, through to staff and board colleagues is clear. This approach works, and we need to share it. Joel and his team have loads of great ideas and potential routes to scale. I am excited about joining the journey of a movement poised for growth.”

Our great thanks go to our outgoing Chair, Andrew Croft, who is standing down after six years in post. Andrew was a crucial support to help the organisation navigate through challenging times, and a creative, inspiring, stretching voice during exciting periods of growth of change. He has been invaluable in laying strong foundations and setting the Foyer Federation on course for a dynamic future.