Vicki Devonport appointed new Executive Director

Vicki Devonport has been appointed to the role of Executive Director of environmental regeneration charity Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale

Vicki Devonport has been appointed to the role of Executive Director of environmental regeneration charity Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale.

Vicki Devonport, who starts her new role on 3 December, will be responsible for all aspects of Trust operations and performance. She is hoping to bring her experience and leadership skills to build on previous successes following the retirement of outgoing Executive Director Cliff Ellison.

Vicki Devonport was born in Lancashire and educated at the University of Durham. She spent twenty years working in schools across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, including four years as head of a school in Blackburn. In 2004, she left teaching to become the chief executive of New Heart for Heywood New Deal for Communities (NDC) Partnership. Since the end of the NDC Programme in March 2011, Vicki has been heading up a Community Trust in Blacon, Chester, which has been focused on delivering local services to local people.

Vicki Devonport, commented: “I am looking forward to joining the Groundwork team in December and building on the firm foundations that Cliff Ellison has put in to place. I am pleased to have the opportunity to join an organisation with such a good track record of working with partners, being particularly effective in relation to the green jobs agenda and demonstrating its ability to engage well with local residents. I hope that I can bring a range of experience and learning to the role and that Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale will continue to grow and develop further its great reputation for delivering services at a local level and making a difference to people lives.”

Cliff Ellison, retiring Executive Director at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale added: “I am delighted to welcome Vicki to Groundwork and am sure that she will be an excellent appointment.”