A VAST Press Release
VAST Chief Executive Announces Retirement
Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST has announced that she will be retiring from the role on 30 September 2026 after 12 years with the organisation and 7 years in the leadership role.
VAST is the Local Infrastructure Organisation representing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, providing support under the four functions of Local Infrastructure: Leadership and Advocacy; Partnerships and Collaboration; Capacity Building; and Volunteering.
Lisa was appointed Chief Executive in October 2019, moving from the position of Finance Director, during a difficult time of transition and funding constraints for the organisation, and was almost immediately faced with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic, and working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and VCSE sector organisations across the city to coordinate the response and ensure communities were protected and supported.
Under Lisa’s leadership, VAST has strengthened its role as a champion for the VCSE sector, expanded its support services, developed a new inclusive volunteering offer and continued to develop the Dudson Centre as a vital community hub.
Lisa is proud of what she and her team have achieved, and celebrates the role that VAST now plays, saying:
“My time at VAST has been deeply rewarding and has inspired me to do things I never thought I was capable of, and I have had the privilege of working alongside and on behalf of some amazing people.
This has been a deeply considered decision and one that comes at the right moment, both personally and for the organisation. VAST is strong, stable, respected, and influential, and I believe this is the right time for me to support a smooth leadership transition and hand over to someone who can lead through the next stage of VAST’s story.
I am incredibly grateful to have worked alongside such a passionate and dedicated group of people. Together, we have strengthened the VCSE sector, developed new models of cross-sector working, and supported communities across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. What we achieve together really is an extraordinary feat! I am certainly proud to have been able to play my part.”
Recruitment for a new Chief Executive will begin in March 2026, to ensure a smooth and well‑managed transition. Lisa will continue to lead VAST until the end of September and support the handover to her successor.
Tim Edwards, VAST Chair said:
“On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to put on record our thanks for Lisa’s leadership and the significant impact made on behalf of the sector and our local communities.”
Jon Rouse, Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said:
“Lisa has been an excellent CEO of VAST, and on a personal level, a pleasure to work with. Under Lisa’s stewardship, VAST has developed its role as a Local Infrastructure Organisation at a time when many other such organisations around the country have struggled. Working with her Board and team, Lisa has ensured that VAST is an organisation that the City Council can trust as a partner but more importantly, that the voluntary and community sector can trust. We are very grateful for her leadership.”
