Meet the Team – Jessica Bickerton, CEO

Our next meet the team conversation is with our new CEO, Jessica Bickerton. This one is a little different, as we’ve asked her to introduce herself and tell us more about what she’s working on as she settles in to her new role – watch this space for more in the coming weeks!

“I’m very excited to have taken on the role of CEO at PAVS and wanted to take this opportunity to say ‘hello’.  Having moved to Pembrokeshire five years ago, I felt the time was right to move to the voluntary sector after many years in a senior role at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.  I am passionate about making a positive impact on the issues that matter to the people of Pembrokeshire and having worked on social, economic and environmental issues at a global level, I’m looking forward to translating my skills and experience to our local community. 

I recognise that I am stepping into big shoes and I am indebted to Sue Leonard – who has now retired – for handing over the reins. 

I appreciated meeting many of you at the County Show and I’m keen to get to know you and the work of your organisations in the coming weeks and months.  If there are meetings or events that would be a helpful way for me learn about your work, do please let me know. 

Equally, I am keen to ensure that PAVS serves our members well, so I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the work of PAVS: what we are doing well, could do more of, do differently and do better.  We are developing plans to revise and enhance our membership offer; if you are already a member, I would be grateful if you could fill out this short survey.    If you are not yet a member of PAVS, we would love to welcome you to our community and would be keen to hear your views. 

I’m alive to the challenges facing the third sector: a squeeze on grant funding from the public sector, rising demands for services and a decline in volunteer numbers.  So, I am keen to showcase the invaluable work being delivered by your organisations and the impact you are making to individuals and communities across Pembrokeshire.  And I hope that we can continue to innovate and work collaboratively in order to enhance and expand our endeavours.  For our part, I’m determined to ensure that PAVS maintains its reputation for excellence and builds on – and grows – the positive relationships with key stakeholders across Pembrokeshire, the wider region and Wales, to secure sustainable funding, ensure third sector organisations play their part in delivery and advocacy, as well as championing volunteering to enhance community life.”

Thank you Jess, sounds like you’re going to be very busy! We are delighted to welcome you to the team here at PAVS and look forward to working with you as we continue our work across the County.