YWCA Yorkshire Announce New Chief Executive

Diane Offers, a third sector senior leader and women’s advocate, has been appointed Chief Executive of YWCA Yorkshire. 

Diane Offers has had a long and varied career spanning the public and private sectors and has worked directly with YWCA Yorkshire for the last 18 years. YWCA Yorkshire is the provider of choice for Local Authorities in Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham, successfully retaining and renewing government contracts over three decades. The charity manages vital accommodation and trauma-informed support services for women, children and families. 

Diane Offers has already led key growth and quality initiatives for YWCA Yorkshire, including the charity’s wellbeing strategy, Investors in People accreditation, and volunteer programme. As the new Chief Executive of YWCA Yorkshire, Diane will lead the culture, strategic direction and vision of this growing charity. 

Diane Offers, said: “I am thrilled to take up the appointment of Chief Executive for this leading regional charity, delivering exceptional services to young women, children and families locally.  

“I’ve been a proud member of the YWCA Yorkshire team for the last 18 years and I am committed to leading our charity’s mission onwards to improve outcomes for families locally. For me, this is about cultivating a compassionate, expert and inclusive staff team, advocating for our communities, growing impactful partnerships, and supporting families to create better futures right here in South Yorkshire. 

“I look forward to working closely with team members, partners, communities and our families to grow and improve access to our services and opportunities for all.”  

A £1.6 million turnover charity, employing more than 50 people locally and working with over 20 volunteers, YWCA Yorkshire provides housing, homelessness support services and wrap-around care for young women, children and families. Diane Offers will lead YWCA Yorkshire’s services in Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield, supporting more than 250 families annually. 

Of the new Chief Executive appointment, YWCA Yorkshire Chair of Trustees, David Forrester, said: “This is an exciting time for YWCA Yorkshire. The charity has grown from strength to strength, delivering a single contract responding to female homelessness in Sheffield in 1993, to today’s expert provision of housing and outreach support to hundreds of families across South Yorkshire. We have excellent relationships with our funders, our partners and our communities and we are well placed to lead localised provisions for vulnerable people. Diane is a proven charity leader, well-respected by colleagues and partners. She exemplifies the values of YWCA Yorkshire, and we are delighted to have her at the head of our charity; advocating for our staff, volunteers and communities and supercharging our mission.” 

YWCA Yorkshire evolved from one of the oldest women’s organisations in the world. Part of a global network of charities, the YWCA movement has been proudly supporting women in the UK since 1855. In South Yorkshire, the charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of women and families who have endured profound trauma, homelessness, domestic abuse and financial hardship.  

Among those supported by YWCA Yorkshire, 68% have faced domestic abuse, and 60% have experienced sexual violence or exploitation. Unsurprisingly, these experiences have left deep scars, with 77% of the women grappling with poor mental health. The specialist housing, training and support services delivered by YWCA Yorkshire directly address the specific challenges faced by communities locally. Learn more here:  ywcayorkshire.org.uk