Community First Yorkshire welcomes new Chief Executive
'Champion of the power of community'
Jane is a champion of the power of community and has a wealth of experience in the private, public and voluntary sectors which she is keen to bring Community First Yorkshire. Jane joins the organisation from Northgate Public Services and has previously worked as a management consultant with a wide number of local authorities. Jane takes over from Leah Swain who was Chief Executive for ten years.
David Sharp, Chair of Trustees at Community First Yorkshire, said:
“It’s great to be welcoming Jane to Community First Yorkshire. Jane is a strong leader with a wealth of experience which will help us build on our work to support voluntary organisations, community groups and rural communities across Yorkshire.
“I’m looking forward to working with Jane to ensure that support – whether that be funding, training, networking or advocacy - for local people and communities is strengthened in our region.”
I’m very excited to be joining Community First Yorkshire at such an important time for the voluntary sector. Community First Yorkshire has played a critical role in supporting charities and community groups as they have struggled to cope with demands for services and funding shortages since the pandemic began. The way the organisation has adapted to deliver support and training online has been truly impressive.
She continued:
“I firmly believe that strong and resilient voluntary and community organisations in North, South and West Yorkshire are critical to helping the sector to provide vital support to the communities they serve to help our region thrive.
“It’s a privilege to be taking up the reins as Chief Executive and building on Leah’s fantastic work, and I’m looking forward to bringing my passion for communities, and experience of making change happen, to the organisation.”
About Community First Yorkshire
Community First Yorkshire is an influential, regional body that works with voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and rural communities across North, South and West Yorkshire.
We are an independent charity and membership body. We are also a rural community council, part of the national ACRE Network (Action with Communities in Rural England) helping communities improve the quality of life for all people living and working in rural Yorkshire.
We are the first port of call for voluntary organisations, social enterprises and parish councils looking for practical support. We can help with everything from governance and funding, to strategic planning and community engagement through our training and events, resources and networks.
info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 01904 704177 communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk
Twitter: @CommFirstYorks Facebook: @Comm1stYorks
