Children’s rugby charity Wooden Spoon has appointed its first female Chair of Trustees as the organisation looks to build on its growing support for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK and Ireland.
Ali Gilbert has been named the new Chair of Trustees, with Dr Brett Bader appointed Vice Chair, marking what the charity describes as an important new chapter for the organisation.
Wooden Spoon, which funds projects helping children and young people play, learn, thrive and stay safe, said the appointments come at a significant time for rugby, particularly with the continued growth of the women’s game.
Ali succeeds Quentin Smith, who is stepping down after almost nine years in the role. During his tenure, the charity developed a long-term growth strategy and strengthened governance across the organisation. He will remain on the board of trustees.
Reflecting on his time as chair, Quentin said he was proud of the progress made during his leadership and confident in the future direction of the charity.
“I am delighted to pass the baton to Ali Gilbert, whose leadership will prove both formidable and inspiring,” he said.
Ali brings extensive experience from the health and care sector, having spent more than a decade in senior leadership positions overseeing children and young people’s services.
A qualified pharmacist who began her career in the NHS, she has led a number of large-scale programmes focused on integrated and person-centred care.
Her connection to rugby dates back to her childhood in Llanelli, where she watched the town’s famous victory over the All Blacks in 1972.
Speaking about her appointment, she said the charity’s mission remained firmly focused on supporting vulnerable children and families.
“Our mission is clear: to give children with disabilities or facing disadvantage the chance to play, learn, thrive and be safe,” she said.
“What stands out most is not just the ambition of our goals, but the passion of the people behind them.”
Joining her in the charity’s leadership team is Dr Brett Bader, who currently serves as Chair of Wooden Spoon Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Dr Bader has a varied background spanning education, healthcare and military service, alongside experience running businesses linked to training and sports coaching.
He said he was looking forward to helping expand the charity’s reach and impact.
“There’s so much momentum behind the work we do,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be part of a charity that changes lives in such a meaningful way.”
Wooden Spoon Chief Executive Sarah Webb welcomed both appointments and described Ali becoming the charity’s first female chair as a landmark moment.
She also paid tribute to outgoing chair Quentin Smith for nearly a decade of leadership and commitment to the organisation.
