A Staffordshire-based charity which is dedicated to tackling fuel poverty in the county has appointed new trustees.
Beat the Cold, which has been fighting to reduce fuel poverty and cold-related ill health for more than 20 years, has appointed Andrew Wilshaw, accounts advisory partner at Dains Accountants, and experienced managing director and CEO Stuart Allen, to its executive board.
They join fellow trustees Graham Stow and Kathryn Wileman, and chairperson, Lesley Bentley, to spearhead Beat the Cold’s pioneering work, alongside chief executive Fiona Miller.
Lesley said: “We are constantly working with our partners to further enhance our health and housing referral service, to support people living in fuel poverty, or who are vulnerable and living in a cold home.
“I am delighted to welcome Stuart and Andrew to the Board of Trustees as I know their expertise and experience will be invaluable in ensuring the team continue to be on hand for people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who could benefit from reduced energy bills and warmer living conditions.”
Beat the Cold is commissioned by local authorities and works in partnership with health boards across the county to provide a single-point-of-contact health and housing referral service. It was an expert witness in the development of National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) Guideline, NG6, which sets out how to reduce the health risks, including preventable deaths, associated with living in a cold home.
Andrew, who is also taking up the role of treasurer, said: “I look forward to supporting the work of the charitable association in my new role as treasurer and trustee.”
Stuart, who has a background working in banking and building societies, as well as retail, added: “I’m hopeful my wide-ranging experience will be useful to the team at Beat the Cold and I’m glad to have the opportunity to play a role in an organisation that provides essential help, advice and support to people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”
The team of trustees and the leadership team at Beat the Cold also thanked long-standing volunteer and trustee Michaela Fyson, who retired this month.
Michaela, whose connections to combatting the health impacts of cold homes in Staffordshire stretch back to the 1980s, retained links with Beat the Cold after her professional retirement in 2005 by volunteering for the charity and was appointed a trustee in 2010.
Lesley said: “As a charity Beat the Cold has benefitted hugely from the wealth of experience and knowledge that Micheala has shared over the years.
“She has been a true stalwart of the work we do, and we are grateful for the years of hard work, dedication and compassion she has provided to people facing the challenges of living in a cold home.”
Congratulations on the appointment of your two new trustees. I have known and worked with Andrew for many years and know that you have taken a really great person on board that will help you drive this sadly essential charity forward. Well done and great success to you all.