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West Midlands provider reveals new boss as incumbent steps down after 26 years
A registered provider and youth homelessness charity has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.
West Midlands provider reveals new boss as incumbent steps down after 26 years #UKhousingMarsha Blake, who has been with St Basils since 1999, will succeed Jean Templeton, who is stepping down after 26 years in the role.
Ms Blake has had a variety of roles at St Basils and has led on many key initiatives, including developing the nationally recognised Youth Hub and Transition Hub.
She is credited with helping the provider achieve Outcome 1 in its most recent Ofsted inspection, which demonstrates that “consistently strong service delivery leads to typically positive experiences and progress for children”.
This was achieved alongside her work strengthening partnerships and driving innovation to ensure vulnerable young people receive the support they need to thrive and prosper.
Ms Blake said: “It is an honour to take on the role of chief executive at St Basils, an organisation that has been such an important part of my professional life.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved under Jean’s leadership and look forward to building on that strong foundation. Our mission remains clear: to work with young people aged 16-25 in the West Midlands to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and prevent homelessness.”
St Basils has credited Ms Templeton with “expanding its reach and influence, strengthening its voice in national policy discussions and developing innovative prevention models that have supported thousands of young people”.
“Her contribution leaves a lasting legacy across the organisation and the wider homelessness sector,” said the organisation in a release.
In her new role, Ms Blake will lead St Basils through its next phase of development, and will succeed Ms Templeton on 1 May.
The outgoing boss will support her with the transition into the role until the end of the month.
Ms Templeton said: “Leading St Basils has been a privilege. I am delighted that Marsha will be stepping into this role.
“Her passion, integrity and deep understanding of both our services and the young people we serve make her exceptionally well placed to guide the organisation into its next chapter.”
Feizal Hajat, chair of St Basils, said: “After a robust search to find the next chief executive of St Basils, where we met some outstanding candidates, it became clear that the best-placed person was already within the business.
“We have no doubt that Marsha will carry on the already great work that St Basils does and take us forward. We are delighted that she has accepted the role and look forward to working with her.”
St Basils is a charity and housing association that works with young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Each year it works with over 4,000 young people, providing accommodation, advice and support across the West Midlands.
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