PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations), the County Voluntary Council for Powys, has announced that Clair Swales has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Swales, who will take up the appointment with immediate effect, has been interim CEO at PAVO since October 2022. She was previously Head of Health and Wellbeing, responsible for PAVO's Health and Wellbeing team, Community Connectors and Powys Befriending Service.

She is a passionate advocate for the third sector and brings extensive, varied experience to the role, including being a former county councillor and retained firefighter.

The announcement comes after an extensive recruitment process which resulted in the shortlistingof some exceptional candidates. The interest in the position is a testament to PAVO's excellent,wide-spread reputation.

Announcing the appointment, Jamie Burt, chair of PAVO's Board of trustees, said: "I am delighted to welcome Clair into her new role as CEO. A familiar face to the organisation, Clair impressed the Board with her impact over the last six months as interim.

"The Board believes she is a great fit for PAVO, with the combination of skills, experience and a compassionate leadership style to steer PAVO through its next strategic phase.

"In a demanding process, the interview panel's unanimous decision to appoint Clair is a testament tothe compelling vision for the future of PAVO she presented.

As Chair, I am proud of the inclusive recruitment process carried out by the organisation. I want to thank all those involved, including representatives from Powys Teach Health Board, Powys County Council and WCVA, who attended our meet the candidates lunch."Ms Burt added: "In welcoming Clair as CEO, I would like to extend my personal thanks to her for her leadership as interim CEO and on behalf of the entire board, I congratulate her and look forward to continued working with her to enhance PAVO's purpose as a Catalyst, Voice and Hub for the third sector in our fantastic county of Powys."

Clair Swales said on her appointment as PAVO CEO: “I am delighted to have been appointed CEO at PAVO. I am looking forward to working with PAVO colleagues and trustees to support the third sector, volunteers, our communities and partner agencies.

“Powys’ third sector is extremely important and valuable to the wellbeing of Powys citizens and communities. We know it has been a difficult time for the sector responding to COVID-19 and now the cost of living crisis. Volunteers across Powys have provided a lifeline of support to many.

"As CEO I will continue to be a strong advocate for the sector; helping organisations and improvingpeople's lives. I look forward to meeting with third sector colleagues, volunteers and partners as Itake up the role of CEO.

"I would like to thank the Board for their support and thank PAVO colleaguesfor their ongoing work and commitment to their roles.”