Gillian Sewell

Gillian Sewell is Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Derbyshire, an award-winning charity supporting young people and communities across Derby and Derbyshire since 1847.

Gillian is a graduate Youth and Community Worker and manager and has been working within the YMCA movement since 1992 Starting her career as a Youth Worker at YMCA, Gillian saw huge potential in young people and the positive progression that can be made when targeted support and opportunities are available. This is something that Gillian still feels very passionate about today. Gillian quickly progressed into management and moved to take up the role as CEO at YMCA Derbyshire in 2001.

During her time at YMCA Derbyshire, Gillian has transformed the organisation by extending its activities into the county and masterminded a £4.6 million facility in Derby. Integrating supported housing for young people at risk of homelessness with cutting-edge training and conference facilities, along with a community café. The facility, known as The Campus for Learning and Development was recognised as a Centre of National Significance with flagship status by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Gillian has been the driving force behind further Training and Education campuses being developed in Ilkeston and across Derby, enabling young people and adults to access accredited vocational training.

Development continues to be a priority for YMCA Derbyshire. To meet the ever-increasing need for affordable housing, Gillian is leading the development of Foundry Point a £7 million project that will build affordable self-contained flats on land which formed part of the Rolls Royce estate on Cotton Lane. The flats will be specifically for young people in employment. The project was initiated following an extensive piece of work through the YMCA movement which examined the housing market and found that young people entering work on low wages faced considerable barriers in accessing affordable housing.

Gillian has volunteered through numerous Trustee roles during her career, utilising her skills and expertise to help others and currently serves as a Trustee for the National Council of YMCAs for England and Wales and regularly represents the YMCA movement nationally and internationally, speaking up for the rights and potential of young people.

Gillian says seeing YMCA Derbyshire transform, stay relevant and adapt to the needs of those we serve is what keeps her motivated. She works tirelessly to ensure services impact positively, fosters resilience and ensures all those supported progress towards independence and contributing members of communities, regardless of past experiences or present circumstances.