Former UK Space Agency chief appointed Chair of Matlock-based charity YHA

The Matlock-based youth hostelling charity YHA (England & Wales) has appointed former UK Space Agency Chief Executive Graham Turnock as its new Chair.

Graham, a longstanding member, trustee and volunteer of the charity, brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in public service to the role.

His distinguished career includes leading the UK Space Agency, for which he was awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society's Geoffrey Pardoe Award in 2021, and subsequently working for the European Space Agency.

Beginning his career at HM Treasury, Graham went on to hold senior positions across several government departments, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Cabinet Office and departments responsible for business and science, developing extensive expertise in policymaking, financial management, research and innovation.

A member of YHA since childhood, Graham has a deep-rooted passion for hostelling and the countryside, joining the Board of Trustees in 2015 and then going on to become Treasurer at the end of 2019. Outside of YHA he has supported young people’s development through mentoring in education and sports. He is a keen recreational and competitive cyclist and walker.

 Graham takes over from Margaret Hart, who became a trustee in 2016 and has helped steer YHA through one of the most challenging periods in its history. As Chair, Margaret championed a youth-first approach, ensuring that every major decision balanced financial sustainability with YHA’s charitable mission to create life-changing opportunities for young people. Drawing on a career dedicated to widening access and supporting disadvantaged communities, she kept young people at the heart of the organisation, while fostering a culture of collaboration, resilience and inclusion.

Graham Turnock, Chair-Elect of YHA (England & Wales), said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair of YHA. The charity played a huge role in my personal development as a young person, kindling my love for the countryside, cycling, travelling and meeting new people.

"As Chair, I want to see YHA continue to increase the impact that was a cornerstone of Margaret Hart's time as Chair. Especially in supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds gain greater confidence, wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging through the transformative power of having adventures at a hostel."

Margaret Hart, Chair of YHA (England & Wales), said: “It has been a privilege to help guide YHA through a period of such significant change and renewed purpose. I’m particularly proud that while we’ve had to focus so much on finance and sustainability, we’ve kept the impact on young people at our heart all along. I leave confident in the direction we have set and the ongoing impact that YHA can deliver long into the future.”

Louise Platt, acting Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales), said: “We are thrilled to welcome Graham as Chair of YHA following his time as Treasurer. His dedication, passion and extensive knowledge will be a huge benefit to the charity as we carry out our ten-year strategy and approach our centenary.

“I’d also like to thank Margaret Hart for all the time, support and enthusiasm she brought to the role in the past ten years. Her contributions will always be remembered, and she will be sorely missed by myself and colleagues across the organisation.”

Graham will take up the role from current Chair, Margaret Hart, when her term ends on 14 November 2026. Her last appearance as Chair of YHA (England & Wales), will be at the charity’s AGM on 14 November.