ASTO welcomes Hon Nusrat Ghani MP as Vice President

The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) welcomes Nusrat Ghani MP as its new Vice President, bringing extensive maritime and parliamentary experience to its work championing sail training.

Ms Ghani is Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Chair of Ways and Means, and MP for Sussex Weald. First elected to Parliament in 2015, she brings experience of shaping national policy and advocating for the maritime sector. As Shipping and Maritime Minister, she helped establish its long-term direction through the UK’s Maritime 2050 strategy.

She also previously served as Minister of State for Europe at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with responsibilities including the UK-EU relationship, national security and critical minerals.

ASTO is the membership organisation for sail training charities in the UK. It represents its members’ interests, brings organisations together to share knowledge and best practice, and supports the delivery of safe, inclusive residential adventures at sea.

These voyages help young people and disabled people of all ages build confidence, strengthen their wellbeing and develop skills for life and work. Through real responsibility, genuine challenge and being part of an onboard community, participants discover what they are capable of and develop the confidence to find their own direction in life. In 2024, more than 11,000 young people and individuals with disabilities and additional needs sailed with ASTO’s 3o member charities.

Mark Todd, ASTO’s Chair of Trustees, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Ms Ghani to the team and are excited for what lies ahead for ASTO with all the expertise and experience she brings. It was important to us to have someone with a huge passion for the maritime world and positive change, which we’re confident Nusrat will support us with.”

Ms Ghani said:

“As a constituency MP, I’ve worked closely with people living with both visible and invisible disabilities. I’ve seen first-hand the profound impact these challenges can have on physical and mental wellbeing. I’m fully committed to supporting ASTO and championing the vital work its members do with young people and those with disabilities. I have a huge amount of enthusiasm for the maritime and sailing sector, and I’m passionate about being a strong advocate for both young people and the organisation in my role as Vice President.”