Our Board

I joined LAYC Board in September 2019.

The skills I have that make me an effective Trustee are… I would describe myself as an optimistic, enthusiastic and hardworking team player. I like to network, enjoy listening and learning from others and always on the lookout for the next opportunity.

I am a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for youth work and the positive impact youth workers have on the lives of young people. The best part of being involved with LAYC is… Working with the LAYC team, local partners and projects.

Things on my wish list for the next 3 years with LAYC are…

1. Secured sustainable investment in LAYC in order for it to have the correct level of resources required to fully meet the needs of its members and stakeholders

2. A clear LAYC offer to Local Authority partners in developed and agreed resulting in positive partnership arrangements with all four local authority areas covered by LAYC

3. Increased number of members groups from Mid, East & West Lothian areas

My motto or personal mantra is… “The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.” ― Elbert Hubbard

I joined LAYC Board in…August 2020

The skills I have that make me an effective Trustee are…Good knowledge of voluntary sector governance, an understanding of financial matters, effective communication skills and good at building and maintaining strong working relationships with fellow Trustees. And being able to have fun! The best part of being involved with LAYC is…Being part of an organisation that provides support to youth organisations across Lothian to ensure that young people have access to high quality, community based, universal youth work. Things on my wish list for the next 3 years with LAYC are… 1. Support a strong and sustainable youth work sector that is properly resourced and recognised as an equal partner 2. Enabling youth work staff and volunteers to support young people to achieve their full potential 3. Create a safe and supportive environment for the chairs of youth work organisations to come together to share good practice and to discuss issues of common concern.

My motto or personal mantra is … There are very few problems in the world that can’t be solved by going for a cycle on your bike.

I joined LAYC Board in… January 2021

The skills I have that make me an effective Trustee are…Experience and understanding of youth work from the perspective of the third sector, local authority and NHS. I work well with others and am able to build strong relationships to facilitate effective partnership working – always the key to success! I firmly believe in the massive value of the youth work sector to make a difference in the lives of young people. The best part of being involved with LAYC is…Being involved with an organisation that supports such a wide range of youth work providers across Lothian, ensuring that young people can access high quality and consistent youth work provision to suit their needs. Things on my wish list for the next 3 years with LAYC are…1. To support youth work and its workforce as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic. 2. Work to ensure LAYC is in a robust financial and staffing position 3. To grow the membership of LAYC, particularly in areas where there are gaps either geographically or by sector.

My motto or personal mantra is … Always look for the good in folk, you’ll usually find it. Expect people to be doing the best they can, and support them when they just can’t.

I joined LAYC Board…in December 2017.

The skills I have that make me an effective Trustee are…a varied finance and service background and previous experience as a Trustee, both as a Board member and a Treasurer. The best part of being involved with LAYC is…the people. Things on my wish list for the next 3 years with LAYC are….A nice new website, more members and income generation, including more successful funding applications.

My motto or personal mantra is… Self confidence is the best outfit, rock it and own it (and if you’re not feeling it, wing it – it will come)!

I joined LAYC Board in… May 2020

The skills I have that make me an effective Trustee are… One of the key skills I believe I have is a strong overview and knowledge of youth and community work in Edinburgh and the Lothians. I started as a volunteer many years ago and I still work within the sector, bringing with me experience and knowledge of the diverse range of organisations across the city and surrounding areas, and in particular within the LAYC membership. As a member group representative, I feel I can bring my own experiences of working within the sector and be a voice for the colleagues and organisations I work with. The best part of being involved with LAYC is…I am excited to become a trustee of LAYC! I strongly believe in the impact of youth work and I am proud to be a trustee of an organisation that advocates for grassroots youth work in Edinburgh and the Lothians and supports local youth organisations to grow and develop within their communities. Things on my wish list for the next 3 years with LAYC are…Over the next three years I would like to see the LAYC grow their staff team and their membership. I would also like LAYC to be able to continue to provide free training to member groups, as this resource is super valuable to train and upskill our youth workers; especially those with limited budgets for staff and training.

My motto or personal mantra is… Tomorrow is a new day. Sometimes you just need to draw a line under a day, get a good nights sleep and wake up the next morning with a fresh set of eyes.

I joined LAYC Board in…2014

The skills I have that make me an effective Trustee are…it can sound naive; I have the drive and energy that comes from genuine enthusiasm. This can be a powerful force when harnessed by a well-balanced board. The best part of being involved with LAYC is…working with a diverse board means that fellow board members are from different localities, professional backgrounds and bring different skill sets to the table. By being on LAYC board has not only expanded my network and has also allowed me to pick up new skills, ideas, and opportunities for my full-time work. As a board member it’s ensuring we have a consistent, transparent processes for decision-making and the opportunity to drive the purposes of a meaningful organisation forward. Things on my wish list for the next 3 years with LAYC are…regular funding to support the aims of the project; to continue to grow and thrive in the ‘community’ and to continue with their amazing training programme for staff and volunteers

My motto or personal mantra is … ‘What brings us out of comfort and fear is creativity. Those who truly love danger aren’t extreme athletics, triathaloners, or mountaineers. Creative people plunge into disaster every time they do something new. Because every time they try something new, they risk everything that’s familiar to them. They have to confront feelings that all of us carefully avoid. That’s the journey of power and danger.’ John Tarrant (Author)