Central Services Team

I initially started my journey with YSS as a volunteer back in 2016 on their Appropriate Adult project supporting young people in custody. This was part of a career change for me while I completed a BSc in Psychology and MSc in Forensic Psychology. In 2019, I joined YSS as a member of staff helping to run the Appropriate Adult project and recruit and train volunteers. One of my proudest achievements at YSS is helping to set up and drive forward our pilot project Families First back in November 2020. During this time I worked alongside a team of researchers from the Open University to measure the impact of our support. In April 2023 I was promoted to Operations Manager responsible for Appropriate Adult, Families First, Volunteering, Business Development and Research.

I relocated to Telford in 2000 after 22 years of accompanying my husband around the world on military duties. Previously, I worked for the Ministry of Defence as an Admin Officer and specialised in Adult Learning. When I returned to the UK, I worked for a private children’s home which specialised in working with young men at risk of, or having, perpetrated sexual offences. In 2003, I joined YSS as a Volunteer Coordinator and ICCP Officer covering Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. I have enjoyed a wide variety of operational and strategic roles across the organisation but my proudest moment was becoming Managing Director in March 2023.

I joined YSS in June 2022 as Head of Resources, taking the lead on Finance, HR, and IT; with a large focus on managing risk factors and costs, identifying efficiencies, and improving the financial viability and sustainability of YSS. I also take on the role of Deputy CEO and Company Secretary. Prior to YSS, I have worked within charities since 2009, both as an employee and external consultant, and within finance-based roles for 10 years before that. My work supporting charities has been in very similar positions, where I have gained senior level experience of strategic planning, finance, HR, IT, operations, project management, marketing & events, commercial operations, and fundraising.

I am the Service Manager here at YSS and am responsible for the #MORSE and Remember Veterans service.