About Us

A bit about Noelle

Noelle has worked with young people since leaving school in a nursing, educating and supporting capacity. Trained as an NNEB, her previous employment includes working for the NHS and Nottinghamshire County Council.

“It has always been my passion to support young people, working for NCC, my job focused on providing opportunities for young people and their families particularly those who were disadvantaged”
“I believe that all young people can achieve, it is finding their strengths and providing the tools that will help them reach their full potential that is key”.

A bit about Ali

Ali has spent many years travelling the world with her husband who works alongside the British Forces. She has lived in countries including Hong Kong, The Falkland Islands, Germany and Scotland. For the last 14 years Ali has been a self-employed wedding, portrait and schools’ photographer which she absolutely loves. She also enjoys working 8 hours a week for the charity where she supports with Admin and Events Coordination.

A bit about Vicky

Now retired, Vicky has over twenty years’ experience of working within the voluntary sector in Bassetlaw, in support of young people.

A bit about Steve

Steve has worked with young people for 46 years in Education, Youth work, Charity organisations and with Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw for 18 years. “It is my true belief that by supporting young people as our charity does; we are making an investment in the future”.

A bit about Liz

Liz has been involved with FOYPIB since 2009, firstly as a County Council trustee and for the last five years as an independent trustee. Having worked alongside education and young people for many years, Liz passionately believes in the work that Focus does in their support for young people, helping them build towards their future goals in life.

A bit about Ray

Now retired, Ray is a former youth worker and youth service manager, with several years’ experience in Nottinghamshire, and, in particular, the Bassetlaw district.

A bit about Fran

Fran has been involved in Education and Community Regeneration for over 50 years. For the last few years I have worked part time on Strategic and Operational Projects for North Notts College.

Fran has always been involved in community development and raising aspirations, endeavouring to inspire ambition in both young people and adults. She is involved in a number of voluntary and community groups including BCVS, The Crossing, Worksop Priory Gatehouse Trust, Centre for Sport and Learning and Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw.

A bit about Cathrine

Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service, BCVS

Catherine joined the VCS in 2010 after an earlier career in the Food Manufacturing Industry, latterly as a Planning and Procurement Manager based in Sheffield.

Catherine actively supports a number of local charities as is a board member of the Bassetlaw Food Bank, Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw, The Crossing, Centre for Sport and Learning CIC, and represents the VCS as Chair of the Bassetlaw Integrated Care Partnership. Catherine is Also the Chair of Governors at Tuxford Primary Academy and a Governor at North Notts College, RNN Group.

A bit about Tracey

Tracey Taylor

Tracey is the County Councillor for Misterton Division and Vice Chairman of the Council’s Children & Young People’s Committee. Coming from an early professional background in finance, she retrained in Early Years and Children’s education when her own children were young. Since then Tracey has continued to work or volunteer with a variety of groups working with children; this remains her passion and her focus. Working with FOYPIB has brought opportunities to help young people across Bassetlaw making a real difference for them.

A bit about Susan

Sue is a former youth worker and centre manager in Bassetlaw, she now has a Local Government county wide post managing youth services for looked after and adopted young people. Sue has a passion for participation and consultation including the voice of young people. She is committed to supporting the charity to ensure young people in Bassetlaw have opportunities to reach their full potential.

A bit about Heather

Heather is the Principal of Retford Oaks Academy and also works with a number of schools in her role as a Local Leader of Education. Heather’s interesting and diverse work enables her to work with young people in a variety of settings, including through FOYPIB.

A bit about Alison

Alison Swan Parente MBE is founder and Chair of the Trustees at the School of Artisan Food at Welbeck, North Nottinghamshire.

She is a retired child psychotherapist and sits on the boards of several local and national charitable foundations.

A bit about linda Jackson

Linda is a local retired Family Solicitor and Deputy District Judge who wants to give all young people in the area opportunity to fulfil their ambitions.

A bit about Glyn

My responsibilities include the management of the Bassetlaw District Council Leisure Management Contract which encompasses four facilities including Worksop, Retford and Bircotes Leisure Centres as well as Kilton Forest Golf Course which is where I am based. In addition I also manage the Transform Schools Community Use contract which includes community provision of the Bassetlaw PFI comprehensive schools.

My experience within this industry has enabled me to develop strong working relationships with key partners to maximise community participation levels of local facilities and services.

A bit about Callum

Callum is the County Councillor for the Worksop North Division on Nottinghamshire County Council. Having been born and raised in Bassetlaw, including being involved in local sporting and activity groups as a young person, he is keen to make sure there are more opportunities for young people in Bassetlaw, so that others are able to reach their potential.