UKSA announces new chair of trustees

UKSA has announced Richard Stokes as its new chair of trustees, replacing Kevin George who is stepping down September 2022.

Currently UKSA’s vice chair, Rear Admiral Richard Stokes CBE, joined UKSA as a trustee in October 2018 and became vice chair in September 2020. He will lead the board of nine trustees which collectively works to ensure that UKSA always acts in the best interest of its beneficiaries and meets its strategic objectives.

“UKSA is a remarkable charity that transforms the lives of young people,” says Stokes. “I am delighted to have been selected as chair and I very much look forward to working with trustees, the chief executive, beneficiaries and donors, and all the team at UKSA to continue to extend the breadth and impact of the charity.”

Following a 37-year career in the Royal Navy, Stokes retired as a Rear Admiral in 2018. He now undertakes a portfolio of paid and voluntary roles, mostly in the maritime sector, but also supporting the delivery of some of the most challenging government projects. With a background in submarine weapon engineering, his recent responsibilities have included running the UK’s three operational naval bases, managing the future nuclear submarine programme and directing the navy’s logistics, infrastructure and engineering support.

Current UKSA chair of trustees, Kevin George says: “As for so many, the past few years have been hugely challenging for UKSA. My sincere thanks to the amazing staff of UKSA and my fellow trustees who collectively, with the unwavering support of our generous donors, have seen the charity emerge with a greater range of high-quality life changing courses, financially more resilient and a clearer strategy than before the pandemic. The much-needed new accommodation facility will thankfully enhance the capacity to take more beneficiaries than ever before, at a time when the need has never been more acute. My thanks to all at UKSA for a humbling and hugely rewarding four years and I am delighted to pass the chair to Richard with my very best wishes.”