CEO of Rhayader & District Community Support steps down
The part-time Chief Executive Officer of Rhayader and District Community Support (RDCS) is to leave the organisation after nearly three years in the role.
Laurence Gellor leaves just as the RDCS, known locally as the Arches, will celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The Arches building in Rhayader, West Street, prides itself on being more than just a charity shop by providing a range of essential services for the local community, which includes a food bank, well-being projects, a nursery division, a warm space and community transport.
Mr Gellor said: “It became apparent when I first arrived at the Arches what a special organisation it is, with a unique relationship to the Rhayader community. It’s an institution. The level of care and concern for the well-being of residents shown by staff and volunteers is informed by the intimacy of that relationship. Staff and volunteers from the local community are crucial to the organisation's success.”
Mr Gellor’s success in the role speaks for itself, after he received a National Award as a Community Media Champion in 2022.
Gellor has also seen the Arches team receive several public and professional plaudits, including Powys Business Awards – Charity of the Year (2023), Investors in Volunteers Quality Mark, Care Inspectorate Wales improved Nursery performance ratings (2024), and Powys (PAVO)Transport Team Volunteer Awards 2024.
During this time the Arches has also enjoyed considerable success in obtaining a variety of grant funding from national, regional and local sources.
Gellor added: “Our achievements over the last three years have been a team effort. It has been a privilege to occupy the role at the Arches and to have contributed in some small way to the development of the organisation. From my part-time perspective, it became increasingly apparent that as the organisation moves to another phase of development, this would require a full-time commitment, and due to my current work and personal obligations that is not possible.
“Whilst sad to be leaving, in many ways I believe this presents a great opportunity for the organisation, notably for the trustees, staff and volunteers to refine purpose and collectively frame an improved operational structure to deliver even greater benefit to the Rhayader community going forwards. As you might tell whilst I may be leaving - I remain an ardent supporter of the Arches – so here’s to another forty years.”
