Faye Edwardes named new Managing Director of YMCA Cornwall

A career spent moving between church buildings, housing policy and the property sector is about to be put to work for one of Cornwall’s longest-running charities.

New leadership for a landmark charity

YMCA Cornwall has appointed Faye Edwardes as its new Managing Director, as the charity prepares for what it calls an exciting new chapter supporting young people and communities across Cornwall.

Faye joins YMCA Cornwall with experience spanning charity leadership, housing, property, psychology and the Church of England. Most recently, she has worked across Cornwall as Church Buildings Officer for the Diocese of Truro, and nationally within the Housing Project team for the Archbishops’ Council.

Commercial experience alongside charity roots

Alongside her charity and housing expertise, Faye brings significant commercial and strategic experience from the property sector, together with a longstanding commitment to supporting people and communities.

“My first priority is to listen”

Faye said: “YMCA Cornwall has an important history in the county and an enormous opportunity for the future. My first priority is to listen, to our staff, the people we support, our trustees, partners and the wider community, and to understand what we already do really well and where there may be opportunities to do more.”

“I’m particularly looking forward to building relationships across Cornwall and exploring how we can strengthen our partnerships, increase our impact and ensure YMCA Cornwall is in the strongest possible position for the future.”

“It is a real privilege to have been entrusted with leading the organisation into its next chapter.”

A welcome from the board

Nicola Hemsley, Chair of YMCA Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to welcome Faye to YMCA Cornwall. She brings a broad range of leadership experience, energy and ideas, together with a strong understanding of Cornwall and a genuine commitment to people and community.”

“The Board is looking forward to working with Faye as she gets to know the organisation and begins to develop her vision for its future.”

Faye takes up the role as YMCA Cornwall approaches a significant milestone, with the charity due to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027.

📷Faye Edwardes, the new Managing Director of YMCA Cornwall