Toynbee Hall announces Board leadership transition 

Toynbee Hall has announced a planned transition in the leadership of its Board of Trustees, with Alice Gac appointed Chair of Trustees and Thomas Nowacki appointed Deputy Chair, following the completion of Stephen Burns’ three-year term as Chair. 

The appointments mark the next stage in Toynbee Hall’s long-term governance development, providing continuity of leadership as the charity continues to deliver advice, community and research programmes, influence policy and develop its next organisational strategy. 

Stephen has provided dedicated leadership to Toynbee Hall over the past three years, helping to guide the organisation through an important period in its development. On behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers and the wider Toynbee Hall community, we thank Stephen for his commitment, support and leadership, and wish him every success for the future. 

Alice joined the Board of Trustees in 2023 and has played a significant role in supporting Toynbee Hall’s governance and strategic development, including serving as Chair of the Finance Committee. She brings extensive experience in governance, finance, organisational leadership and strategic oversight, and has played a key role in supporting the Board’s strategic direction and oversight. 

Thomas, who also joined the Board in 2023, has been appointed Deputy Chair. Thomas is a director for Toynbee Hall Trading, and has been a member of both the Audit and Risk and  Finance committees. He brings vast governance and risk experience from his professional life as well as other trustee roles. The creation of this new role reflects Toynbee Hall’s continued investment in strong governance, succession planning and effective Board leadership, providing additional resilience and support for the Board. 

These appointments form part of a planned programme of Board succession and governance development. Over the past two years, Toynbee Hall has welcomed several new Trustees, strengthening the Board’s expertise across governance, finance, fundraising, technology, legal and community leadership to support the charity’s long-term ambitions. 

Stephen Burns, outgoing Chair of Trustees, said: 

“Serving as Chair of Toynbee Hall over the past three years has been an immensely rewarding experience. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated Trustees, colleagues, volunteers and partners who are united by a shared commitment to tackling poverty, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive. 

I am proud of what we have achieved together and leave the role with every confidence in Toynbee Hall’s future. I have every confidence in Alice, Thomas and the wider Board as they lead the charity into its next chapter, and I look forward to seeing Toynbee Hall continue to make a meaningful difference to the communities it serves.” 

 Alice Gac, Chair of Trustees, said: 

“It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair of Trustees at Toynbee Hall. For more than 140 years, Toynbee Hall has worked alongside communities to address poverty and inequality, and that mission remains as important today as ever. 

I would like to thank Stephen for his leadership and commitment as Chair. I am looking forward to working closely with fellow Trustees, colleagues, volunteers, partners and the communities we serve as we build on the organisation’s strengths and shape its next chapter.” 

Matt Dronfield, Interim Chief Executive, said: 

“I would like to thank Stephen for his leadership, commitment and support over the past three years. He has helped steer Toynbee Hall through an important period in its history, and he leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes. 

I am delighted to be working alongside Alice as our new Chair and Thomas as Deputy Chair. Together they bring valuable experience, sound judgement and a collaborative approach that will help guide the organisation through its next chapter. 

Over recent years, the Board has also been strengthened through the appointment of a number of new Trustees, creating a strong blend of continuity, fresh perspectives and expertise. I am looking forward to working closely with Alice, Thomas and the wider Board as we continue to deliver high-quality services, deepen our impact and support communities across London and beyond.” 

With this Board leadership in place, Toynbee Hall will continue working alongside communities, partners, funders and supporters to tackle poverty and inequality, influence policy and create lasting social change.