New Chair and Vice-Chair Appointed to NHSN Board

We’re pleased to announce that NHSN has appointed Gordon Port as Chair and Annie Tindley as Vice-Chair of its board of trustees.

Both Gordon and Annie have been trustees themselves for several years and bring a wide range of invaluable skills to the table, so it was an easy decision for trustees to unanimously endorse their appointments at this month’s board meeting.

Commenting on his new role, Gordon says: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to have been elected as Chair of the board of NHSN trustees. The natural world as we know it is threatened by the climate and ecological emergencies, but I’m confident that our exciting new plan, Action for North East Nature, sets out a clear pathway for our members and the local community to play their part in tackling these problems. I look forward to overseeing that plan and ensuring its success.”

Gordon also wanted to recognise and give thanks to Jonathan Hewitt who stepped down as Chair earlier this month. “NHSN has achieved so much in the five years that Jonathan has been Chair of the trustees; it will be a challenge to step into that role, and a great honour.”

Echoing Gordon’s comments, Annie notes that she is thrilled to be taking on her new position, “particularly to help with NHSN’s strategic focus around diversity and inclusion, as well as building on its existing strengths in collaboration and partnerships regionally and nationally.” She adds, “so much amazing work is already being done in these areas”, and that she is looking forward to making it “as visible as possible for all members and the wider communities we serve to see.”

We also asked Jonathan to say a few words on his time as Chair at NHSN: “It has been such a privilege to chair the organisation over the last five years, at a time of so much achievement and change.  Under Director Clare Freeman’s leadership, we have put in place a long-term strategic plan with a renewed emphasis on our wider role in society, at a time when the natural world is more important than ever. Our response to the pandemic has seen increased membership, some exciting developments at Gosforth Nature Reserve, a burgeoning online presence and several citizen science programmes – all reflecting a renewed sense of purpose for staff, members and volunteers. I’m optimistic for NHSN’s future as I hand over to Gordon.”

It’s not goodbye just yet, however. Jonathan will remain on the board as a valued trustee.