Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum appoints new Chief Executive

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) with the appointment of a new Chief Executive and deputy Chief Executive to drive its commitment to work with others to create a thriving and effective voluntary sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Cornwall VSF has announced that Emma Rowse has been appointed as its new Chief Executive. The move will see interim CEO Kate Perkin become Deputy CEO in addition to Director of Partnerships and Innovation.

Emma was selected by the Board of Trustees following an extensive and highly competitive search including stakeholder and staff panels.

Emma, current Chair of Trustees at Volunteer Cornwall, has previously held the position of Trustee on the Board at Cornwall VSF and brings with her significant experience within the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VSCE) sector as well as the public sector.

Having worked for national charities, local clinical commissioning groups, public health and NHS England, Emma has over a decade of experience in integration of health and care services locally, regionally, and nationally.

Since 2014 she has worked as an independent management consultant leading on the development of outcomes, performance and evaluation frameworks for NHS England, Age UK, NHS Kernow, Public Health Wales and the South West Academic Science Network.

Emma is also a co-founder and director of Lime House Yoga in Cornwall and a qualified coach.

Joe McEvoy, Chair of Trustees at Cornwall VSF, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Emma following an extensive search and recruitment process. As an organisation here to support the voluntary sector in Cornwall, Emma brings enormous experience to the role of CEO, and will lead the organisation as we work with public sector organisations and the voluntary sector to continue the significant impact we collectively have on the lives of the people of Cornwall.”

Emma Rowse said: “I am really excited to be joining Cornwall VSF at a time when the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector is needed more than ever. The wealth of experience and expertise in the sector is an inspiration and by working in partnership with each other and our public sector colleagues, we can deliver more for people and communities in Cornwall.”

Emma will be joined by interim CEO, Kate Perkin who will become Deputy CEO in addition to Director of Partnerships and Innovation. Together they will help guide the team to meet the charity’s aim to inform, upskill, enable, and equip the VCSE against their identified needs, context, and conditions directly whilst indirectly improving quality of life and communities for everyone living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.