A VAST announcement
VAST Appoints Andy Meakin as New Chief Executive, With Phased Summer Transition
VAST is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Meakin as its new Chief Executive following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process. Andy will take over from Lisa Healings, who retires on 30 September 2026 after 12 years with the organisation, including 7 years as Chief Executive.
Andy will join VAST over the summer of 2026, working alongside Lisa during a phased transition period to ensure continuity for staff, members, tenants of the Dudson Centre, and VAST’s many partners across Stoke‑on‑Trent and North Staffordshire.
Andy brings more than 20 years’ experience working at the intersection of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, local government, housing, and health, with a strong focus on systems leadership, partnership working and improving outcomes for communities experiencing disadvantage.
A local resident and Keele University graduate, Andy has spent much of his career shaping and delivering collaborative approaches across North Staffordshire and the wider region. He is currently Co‑Founder and Director of Expert Citizens CIC, an award‑winning organisation centred on lived experience, coproduction and system change. Previously, as Project Director at Brighter Futures Housing Association, Andy led a £10m multi‑agency transformation programme for people experiencing multiple disadvantage, aligning statutory services, VCSE organisations and community voices around more effective models of support.
Andy has extensive financial and commercial leadership experience, including oversight of commissioning and partnership budgets of up to £70m, securing £3.9m national investment through the Changing Futures programme, and influencing national policy through evidence submitted to a Parliamentary Select Committee, contributing to long‑term funding improvements for Stoke‑on‑Trent.
He has also held a range of executive and non‑executive governance roles, working closely with Boards, commissioners, funders and senior leaders, and currently contributes to regional and national discussions on homelessness, multiple disadvantage, and service reform.
Lisa Healings, Chief Executive of VAST, said:
“I am delighted to be handing over the leadership of VAST to Andy. His deep understanding of place, partnership and the VCSE sector, alongside his values‑led approach to leadership, make him an excellent choice to lead the organisation into its next phase. The phased transition over the summer will allow us to ensure strong continuity, while supporting Andy to build relationships with staff, members and partners.”
Tim Edwards, Chair of Trustees at VAST, said:
“Lisa leaves an outstanding legacy at VAST, and we are immensely grateful for her leadership and contribution over the last 12 years. Andy impressed the Board with his strategic insight, collaborative approach, and strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. We are confident he will build on VAST’s strengths and continue to champion the VCSE sector across our area.”
Andy Meakin, incoming Chief Executive of VAST, said:
“I am honoured to be joining VAST, an organisation that plays such a vital role in supporting, connecting, and representing the VCSE sector. Lisa’s leadership has created strong foundations, trusted relationships, and a clear sense of purpose. I am very much looking forward to working with the team, members, and partners over the summer transition and beyond, as we support communities and help shape emerging system changes across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.”
Andy will formally assume full responsibility as Chief Executive following Lisa Healings’ retirement at the end of September, with the summer transition period focused on handover, relationship‑building, and shared strategic priorities.
Plans to celebrate and recognise Lisa Healings’ contribution to VAST and the wider VCSE sector will be shared later in the year.
