New CEO Joins Norton Park

Interview with Keith

Name: Keith Robertson

Job title: Chief Executive

Where have you worked previously?

I was Chief Executive at Cruse Scotland for the last four years. Prior to that I worked with charities that support people who were homeless: I helped set up and was Managing Director of Fresh Start for twenty years. I also worked at Move on and The Big Issue many moons ago.

What attracted you to Norton Park?

I like the fact that the charity is a social enterprise, the opportunity to run a business that has a social purpose is very exciting.

With my background in the voluntary sector, I like that Norton Park is a hub for charities and I am keen to explore how Norton Park can add value to the voluntary sector through providing accessible and affordable space that meets the needs of the sector & the wider community.

What have your first impressions been?

Excellent – everyone has been very welcoming and the facility is clearly well run. My predecessor, Anne-Marie, did a great job – she will be a hard act to follow. I have inherited a great team that take a pride in their work and are committed to making sure that Norton Park is professionally run and welcoming for all. The atmosphere in the centre is great – it is a lovely place to work.

What are you looking forward to most about working at Norton Park?

Lots of things. Right now, I’m keen to meet the people and organisations that work at Norton Park – after working at home through most of the pandemic it is great to work alongside people again. Over time, the centre should get busier again, we’re particularly keen to make better use of the conference centre and meeting rooms.

I am keen to learn about how the centre is managed and all that is involved in day to day operations. I am also looking forward to work with our board and stakeholders to create a new strategy that will take Norton Park into the next phase of its development