BVSC announces Lisa Martinali as new Chair of Trustees

Lisa Martinali has been announced as the new Chair of BVSC's board of Trustees. Lisa was previously Vice Chair, and she has a strong history of linking to BVSC’s work, having previously acted as Third Sector Champion for Children & Young People through our Third Sector Assembly, an earlier iteration of our engagement networks.

Until very recently, Lisa was Director of Regeneration at Compass Support, a division of the Pioneer Group. She is now however moving on, taking up a new position as chief executive of St Paul's Community Development Trust.

Lisa said “I am truly excited to be appointed as the new Chair of BVSC. My passion for, and commitment to the sector will be put to great use in taking forward our strategy and ambition. BVSC will continue to advocate and secure new opportunities and I look forward to supporting this, whilst building upon the strong foundation provided by Jonathan. A big thank you to him for his support and leadership over the years.”

Lisa replaces Jonathan Driffill who stepped down as Chair after fourteen years in the role. Jonathan originally became involved in BVSC's work as a member - and then as chair - of the steering group of a Single Regeneration Budget programme (SRB4 Birmingham CAN!) which BVSC ran between approximately 1998 and 2005. He then joined BVSC's board and eventually became chair, and - because of his housing sector expertise - agreed to stay in the role until we had successfully moved out of 138 Digbeth.

Brian Carr, Chief Executive of BVSC, said: "We are delighted to welcome Lisa to BVSC as our new Chair. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Chair as well as a strong commitment to Birmingham's Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector which will be of great benefit to BVSC as we move forward into our next chapter.”

"I am hugely grateful for Jonathan Driffill’s dedicated support and leadership over the past 14 years during which he has navigated some complex negotiations around the sale of BVSC’s Digbeth building”.

On leaving the role Jonathan said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with BVSC in various ways since the mid 1990s and as a Trustee since the mid noughties. I have always believed passionately in the role of the voluntary sector and my work with BVSC has enabled me to put my money where my mouth was and for that I will always be grateful.

“I am so pleased to be leaving BVSC in the positive position it's in and I know the new Chair Lisa and the rest of the Board will continue to work with Brian and Jas to ensure that the organisation continues to go from strength to strength.”

Lisa was appointed Chair at BVSC’s AGM which took place on Monday 23 January. Find out more about BVSC on our 'About Us' page where you can also download the latest Annual Report and Accounts.

Picture (from left to right): Lisa Martinali, Jonathan Driffill and Brian Carr pictured at AGM

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