Reverend becomes first ever chief executive of the Parish Trust

The charity behind Trethomas’ Food Hub has reshuffled its board, with its founder becoming its first ever chief executive.

The Parish Trust has confirmed Reverend Dean Roberts, who helped found the organisation in 2019 and has served as its chair of trustees, will move into the new position.

The appointment has been approved by the Charity Commission for England and Wales following a “rigorous open recruitment process”.

Replacing Rev Roberts as chair of trustees is Diane Brierley, who is currently a treasurer on the board and also the executive chair of Cadwaladers Ice Cream.

She said: “Rev Dean was instrumental in leading the charity to meet the needs of the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Since then, the impact of the important work that the charity has done has been significant.

“Led by the needs of the community, the work has included setting up a toddler group, youth club, community choir and lunch club alongside the very important work of The CARE Project – providing food and other support to families.”

Speaking of his new role, Rev Roberts said he “had no idea that the charity would grow to what it is today” when it was founded.

He continued: “The fact that the charity is able to appoint a CEO speaks volumes about the progress that has been made, and is testament to the passion, commitment, and faith of the board of trustees, the incredible staff team that we have, and our volunteers who are at the heart of our operations here.”

Rev Roberts said he will “strive to take the charity from strength-to-strength, continually finding new ways to bring life in all its fullness to more and more people”.

He added: “We look to the future daunted, but incredibly excited at how the Parish Trust is going to grow, and how opportunities are going to unfold for us in this new chapter.”