Ian Burks | CEO

Ian has been CEO of YMCA East Surrey since 1999 and prior to this worked for 13 years at Hornsey YMCA (now YMCA London City and North) as Programme Director. Ian holds a Masters in Leisure Management, a CIH Level 4 Diploma in Supported Housing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies. He is also a qualified Fitness Instructor, Gymnastics Club Coach and holds a range of sporting coaching qualifications, including Boccia and Goal Ball.

Ian’s major work achievements include the creation of YMCA Hillbrook House supported accommodation, the renovation of the YMCA Sovereign Centre, the build of the Inclusive Sport Facility at the YMCA Sports and Community Centre and leading on the acquisition and development of three move-on housing projects.

Ian is a keen participant in YMCA challenge fundraising events, raising money for YMCA East Surrey’s charitable work and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Ian has completed many cycling challenges, marathons and even an Ironman in Barcelona in an incredible 10hrs 49 minutes.

Judith Brooks | Head of Children & Young People / Deputy CEO

Judith joined YMCA East Surrey in October 2018 as Head of Children’s Services. Prior to this she was Head of Department for Youth Work Programmes and Apprenticeships at YMCA George Williams College teaching students at further education, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Between 1999 – 2008 she was Programme Manager and Deputy CEO for a youth volunteering charity in Kent, VSU Youth in Action, now part of Imago. Judith’s qualifications include BA(Hons) English; Post Graduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work and a Masters in Management from Bayes Business School, University of London.

Judith has extensive experience in the development and management of targeted and universal services for children, young people and families, adult further and higher education programmes, and cross-sector partnership working. She holds organisational responsibility for safeguarding and staff professional development. Judith is also an ordained priest in the Church of England and is Assistant Priest with the Oxted Team Ministry in Tandridge. She is passionate about inclusion and working with people so they can achieve their best outcomes.

Lee Fabry | Head of Housing

Lee Fabry joined YMCA East Surrey in March 2016 after previously working as a Housing Manager for the UK’s largest housing association, Clarion Housing. He has a CIH Level 5 in Strategic Housing Management, BTEC Level 5 Community Safety Strategic Management and a degree in Criminal Law.

Lee is the strategic lead for all aspects of our housing services and regulatory framework (RSH) and a Designated Safeguarding Officer. Lee understands the issues for vulnerable young people and is keen to grow YMCA East Surrey’s housing services to prevent youth homelessness.

Cath White | Head of Central Services

Cath joined YMCA East Surrey in January 2022 following three years as Head of Operations at the UK Council for Psychotherapy. Cath has had a broad career history, most of which has been within the Charity sector.

Starting her career as a Chartered Accountant, Cath decided to make a change and took on the role of Life Skills Advisor at the Royal Association for Deaf People where she developed her knowledge and skills to become the CQC Registered Manager for the Social Care Service, progressing on to be the organisational wide Quality Manager. Whilst at the UK Council for Psychotherapy, Cath expanded her abilities as senior manager, providing a robust foundation for her current role as Head of Central Services at YMCA East Surrey. Cath is passionate about making a difference to others and supporting people to develop to their full potential.

Daniel Markan | Head of Finance

Daniel joined YMCA East Surrey in December 2021 as Head of Finance and has had a number of other similar roles in the charity and not-for-profit sector. He is a qualified accountant and has a wide range of experience in managing finance teams as well as a track record of improving finance processes and strengthening financial controls.

Daniel was previously Head of Finance at Friends of the Earth before joining YMCA East Surrey. As Head of Finance, he manages the Finance team, produces the management and annual accounts and leads on the annual budget planning process. He enjoys working for a charity that makes a difference in the local community and supports families.