CEO office and executive team
Meet the people charged with developing and delivering YHA’s business plan
Meet the YHA Executives
YHA is a charity on a mission to enrich the lives of all, but especially young people, and improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and life skills through the experiences we create. We bring the adventure, for the first time, for a lifetime.
Our charitable objective is to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities, particularly by providing youth hostels or other accommodation for them on their travels and therefore to promote their health, recreation and education.
Under the direction of YHA’s Board of Trustees, the CEO and executive team work together to develop and deliver our strategy and business plan and to achieve the object and bring to life our vision of reaching out and developing the lives of young people.
James Blake
Chief Executive, YHA (England & Wales)
James brings a wealth of experience to YHA, including managing a complex organisation balancing commercial imperative and public benefit. He joined YHA from St Albans City & District Council where he held the role of chief executive from 2013 to 2017.
James was previously a senior civil servant in the Department for Communities & Local Government, specialising in policy on local government, regeneration, and social inclusion.
Ready to join the team?
From hostel roles to business support, our latest charity vacancies can be found through our job search. Take a look.