Shaftes People

Janice has an extensive background and a wealth of valuable and relevant expertise in youth work and child services spanning over 50 years. Before joining Shaftes, she was Contracts and Commissioning Manager in the Children and Young Person's Department at Wirral Council. Having begun her career as a Youth Worker at just 16, she went on to hold several important roles with Barnardos and the YMCA and has strong operational experience in other charities and public bodies.

She holds a Masters (MBA) in Public Sector Management as well as Diplomas in Inclusive Management and Advanced Studies in Education and Youth/Community. In her previous career, she played an integral role in youth crime prevention as well as supporting vulnerable youngsters to access the support services they so desperately need, and these are skills that she has been able to put to use at Shaftes, making the Club a safe environment for all.

Janice’s input at Shaftes is invaluable, and she has been a force to be reckoned with as former CEO, where she propelled the Club forward in terms of fundraising and grant sourcing, strategy, and direction.

In her spare time, Janice lives and breathes football and was actually the first female referee at competition level back in 1988!

Barry is the current Chairman of Shaftesbury Youth Club and has been in the post since 2017. Now retired, Barry was previously an Assistant Director in a Northwest Local Authority. Barry started his professional career as a Civil Engineer but later changed careers and moved into transport planning. He has taken a specific interest in the provisions for disabled people and has played an integral role as part of a group advising the Minister of Transport on disability issues. Barry himself is still an active sportsman who can regularly be found playing Raquet Ball. In days gone past, he was also an avid Squash player and footballer.

Barry is a passionate believer in all sports being available to all young people and he firmly believes in the important role that sports play in leading a fit and healthy lifestyle. Shaftesbury Youth Club has seen big changes and challenges in recent years, and Barry believes that the need to diversify the Club’s services and offerings is essential to be able to compete with all the demands on our society. Barry is also a keen gardener and has been a driving force in developing the community garden and allotment at Shaftes.

Allow us to introduce Stuart Brady, charity trustee for the Shaftes Youth Club, who brings a diverse array of skills and experiences to the table. As the headteacher of a local Birkenhead primary school, Stuart's expertise extends beyond education to encompass finance, health and safety, marketing, and HR and personnel. Sport has always held a special place in Stuart's heart, having actively participated in various sports teams during his youth. From playing badminton for Wexford and Barnston to football with the Vikings FC in Rock Ferry. He joined the Shaftes football teams during his teenage years and he recognises the role sports played in keeping him away from potential adversities on the streets. This personal connection fuels his dedication to the Shaftes Youth Club, which he sees as a safe-haven for the children of Birkenhead, providing them with essential facilities and support, regardless of their age.

In addition to his role as a trustee, Stuart's involvement in other charitable activities is noteworthy. He is deeply engaged in a charity attached to his current school and serves as a Director/trustee of Tranmere Rovers in the Community. Stuart's support for local charities began during his secondary school years when he actively participated in charity walks for St John's Hospice and the London to Brighton bike ride for the Heart Foundation.

As a proactive trustee, Stuart played a role in supporting the CEO and the club through a reorganisation and change program, ensuring that the Shaftes Youth Club is well-prepared for a successful future. He remains committed to the strategic running of the club, especially in crucial areas like the child protection and safeguarding of the younger members.

Stuart's dedication extends beyond trustee meetings; he is always available to support the leadership team and has actively contributed to fundraising efforts, providing car park support during Tranmere Rovers matches.

With a wide range of leadership skills and qualities, as evident from his background, Stuart's role as a trustee is invaluable. His vision aligns with the essence of the Shaftes Youth Club, recognising it as an integral part of Birkenhead, catering to the needs of both the young and old in the community. Stuart firmly believes in the continuity and significance of such places, and he advocates for the support and longevity of the Shaftes Youth Club, which remains deeply rooted in the heart of Birkenhead.

Meet Keith Penny, the Treasurer of the charity, who plays a vital role in preparing the accounts for the organisation and ensures compliance with the Charity Commission. As a Chartered Accountant and former Senior Partner of a prominent Birkenhead practice, Keith brings a wealth of financial expertise to the table. Keith's journey with this particular charity began many years ago when a friend convinced him to get involved. Since then, he has been actively engaged in charitable activities, serving as both a trustee and overseeing the proper submission of accounts to the Charity Commission.

Within the charity, Keith's contributions have been instrumental. He efficiently manages the fund and collaborates closely with the CEO and grant officer on grant applications, seeking crucial funding for the charity's projects and initiatives.

Keith's commitment and dedication to the charity's mission are unwavering. He is always available to discuss arising matters and promptly handles necessary payments to keep operations running smoothly. Amongst his significant accomplishments, Keith played a crucial role in securing substantial grants that covered wages and facilitated the development of essential infrastructure like the 3G pitch and sports pavilion. As a trustee, Keith believes in effective collaboration and attends regular trustee meetings, working closely with other individual trustees when required, to ensure the charity's goals are achieved efficiently.

Keith's accountancy background sets him apart as a trustee, allowing him to bring sound financial acumen to the decision-making processes of the charity. In Keith's own words, Shaftes is an indispensable part of the community, making a genuine difference in the lives of many children and families. His message to the public and potential donors is clear - supporting this charity can have a profound impact and help uplift the community it serves.

Paul Morris is a dedicated trustee of the Shaftesbury Youth Club, who plays a crucial role in supporting the CEO and the club's team to ensure its growth and prosperity. With an impressive background in the technical sales environment, Paul held the position of Chief Commercial Officer for G&H, a thriving business with annual revenue exceeding £150M, where he managed all commercial activities and a global team until his retirement in December 2021.

Paul's journey to becoming a trustee for the Shaftesbury Youth Club was inspired by his acquaintance with Barry Eaton, the Chairman of the club.

Although not extensively involved in charitable activities in the past, Paul has volunteered for major sporting events like the Rugby League World Cup and The Open in Hoylake under the Wirral Council.

As a trustee, Paul has primarily provided advisory support during trustee meetings, utilising his valuable management experience to contribute to the club's decision-making processes. Additionally, he actively participates in the maintenance of the club's grounds, demonstrating his dedication to the charity's mission.

Working collaboratively with fellow trustees, Paul attends regular meetings where ideas and strategies are exchanged to achieve the charity's goals effectively.

Addressing the public and potential donors, Paul highlights the ever-increasing reliance on charities in supporting local communities, especially with diminishing contributions. Emphasising the significance of supporting charities like the Shaftesbury Youth Club, Paul underscores the club's efforts to extend its support to the wider community through initiatives such as the social supermarket and gardening plots, making a positive impact on the lives of many. Your support can make a real difference in helping the club continue its invaluable work, empowering and enriching the lives of the youth and the broader community it serves.

Paul Morris is a dedicated trustee of the Shaftesbury Youth Club, who plays a crucial role in supporting the CEO and the club's team to ensure its growth and prosperity. With an impressive background in the technical sales environment, Paul held the position of Chief Commercial Officer for G&H, a thriving business with annual revenue exceeding £150M, where he managed all commercial activities and a global team until his retirement in December 2021.

Paul's journey to becoming a trustee for the Shaftesbury Youth Club was inspired by his acquaintance with Barry Eaton, the Chairman of the club.

Although not extensively involved in charitable activities in the past, Paul has volunteered for major sporting events like the Rugby League World Cup and The Open in Hoylake under the Wirral Council.

As a trustee, Paul has primarily provided advisory support during trustee meetings, utilising his valuable management experience to contribute to the club's decision-making processes. Additionally, he actively participates in the maintenance of the club's grounds, demonstrating his dedication to the charity's mission.

Working collaboratively with fellow trustees, Paul attends regular meetings where ideas and strategies are exchanged to achieve the charity's goals effectively.

Addressing the public and potential donors, Paul highlights the ever-increasing reliance on charities in supporting local communities, especially with diminishing contributions. Emphasising the significance of supporting charities like the Shaftesbury Youth Club, Paul underscores the club's efforts to extend its support to the wider community through initiatives such as the social supermarket and gardening plots, making a positive impact on the lives of many. Your support can make a real difference in helping the club continue its invaluable work, empowering and enriching the lives of the youth and the broader community it serves.