New Alabaré Chair

Richard had previously been Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees and will succeed Alabaré founder Reverend John Proctor, who stepped down from the role at the end of April.

Richard has been involved with Alabaré for a number of years, having previously enjoyed a successful career as an engineer and developing large power stations across the UK.

Upon his appointment Richard commented:
"I have been associated with Alabaré for approaching two decades and this has been a humbling experience as I have met staff and volunteers. The work we do combines quality with care and when I visit our homes and services this shines through.

"Therefore as I commit to the role of chairman it is with a sense of pride in the organisation, it is important to me we build on past achievements and maintain the level of caring for which we are known."

In addition to the appointment of Richard Holman, Phil Davis has been appointed the new Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Phil joined as a trustee in 2015, having worked at senior levels within further education and private training providers.

Phil said;
"I am delighted to be taking on the role of Vice Chairman of Alabaré. As a current Chief Executive of an education and training charity and with experience of both the public and private sectors, the role feels like a natural fit and one to which, I would like to think, I can bring added value.

"In particular, I have a successful track record of identifying growth opportunities within the charity sector and am hoping to tap into my skills and experience of company management and capital fundraising in relation to this new challenge."

The Revd John Procter founded Alabaré Christian Care & Support in 1991 alongside his wife Alicia, after they befriended and offered a home to a series of people in crisis.

The charity's growth since opening the first home in 1992 now sees it support over 1,700 people each year, whilst remaining true to the founding principles of Care, Compassion, Generosity and Respect. The charity now encompasses 250 staff and a similar number of volunteers that work across various services including with adults who are homeless or at risk of becoming so, young people leaving the care system and ex-service personnel who have struggled to adapt to civilian life.

John was given an OBE in October 2016 in recognition of his commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable, homeless and disadvantaged people.

He said:
"It has been an immense privilege to oversee the growth and development of Alabaré from its first home in 1996 to more than 80 homes in 2019 across the South West of England and throughout Wales.

"There comes a time when you have to pass on the baton to ensure the continuation of the work and now appears to be the right time as the organisation is strong and diverse. I will leave the Board at the end of April and am honoured to have been granted the post of honorary President so I will keep in touch and serve the charity in any way I can."