Yasmin Batliwala MBE to step down as Chair of Via

We will soon be bidding a fond farewell to Yasmin Batliwala MBE who has decided to step down as the chair of our board of trustees. 

Yasmin was part of the foundation of Via (formerly WDP) and has been a passionate, hardworking and dedicated leader of our board.   

We are profoundly grateful for her support, knowledge and expertise over the past 30+ years, enabling the organisation to grow from strength to strength. 

During her tenure, Yasmin has steered Via through considerable growth as well as a hugely successful and award-winning rebrand. Our strong track record over this time has meant we’re reaching more people experiencing harm from alcohol and other drugs and expanding the support we provide into new areas such as smoking cessation, sexual health, employment support and mental health. 

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via said: “So much has been achieved during the time that Yasmin has chaired our board of trustees, and we are grateful for her determination and commitment to our growth, development and impact. Yasmin will be leaving us at a point where we have grown significantly to reach more people, have launched new programmes and partnerships and have been recognised externally for our capability and commitment as an employer. We are thankful for her support and guidance on our journey so far.” 

Yasmin has recently led on the recruitment of 7 new trustees at Via and we’ll be able to share more details and welcome them all soon!  

Yasmin will be stepping down once a new Chair has been recruited.  

Our Deputy Chair, Mike Walsh is overseeing the recruitment process for our new Chair, and you can find out more about this here: Chair of Trustees | Via via Peridot Partners.