Somerset Rural Youth Project is a registered charity and as such is managed by a board of trustees. The following comprised the board as of February 2013. Members describe their background and interests and what they contribute to the work of SRYP.

David Clitheroe, - chair and Independent member.

My professional background is in criminal justice. I was a probation officer for 30 years the last five as Chief Probation Officer for Somerset prior to its amalgamation with the Avon Probation Service in 2001. Since 2001 I have worked as an HMI for the Magistrates Courts’ Inspectorate and Ofsted examining the work of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service [Cafcass].

I have been the Chair of SRYP Board since 2005 which has enabled me to see and support work with young people which is where my interests in social work began. I am an active member of the Methodist Church as a Local Preacher and Chair of the Plymouth and Exeter District Safeguarding Team.

I enjoy living in the middle of nowhere in the Blackdown Hills, love walking, not as far as I used to, singing with the Stanchester Quire and others who value traditional English folk music. I want young people in Somerset to thrive and change the world.

Nicola Slawaski, - formerly of Sedgemoor District Council, now retired, Independent member

I first became involved with SRYP in my role as Head of Community Services (later Group Manager) for Sedgemoor District Council. My remit at Sedgemoor included support for voluntary organisations, community development, crime and disorder reduction and environmental issues.

I initially joined the SRYP Board as a representative of the District Councils in Somerset. In April 2010, I took early retirement in order to spend more time with my elderly parents, but accepted an invitation to remain on the Board as an independent member. I currently chair SRYP's fundraising committee.

My other voluntary sector interests include chairing Somerset Levels and Moors Local Action (part of the Rural Development Programme for England, an European-funded programme) which is due to complete at the end of 2013. I am also a Board Member and the Company Secretary for the Victoria Park Centre in Bridgwater. My leisure interests include walking (could link to item on my sponsored coast to coast in May) and gardening.

Stuart Rance, - Self Employed Businessman, Independent Member

Stuart has not yet sent in his commentary.

Oliver Woodhams - Group Manager, Business Operations, Somerset County Council

Oliver has not yet sent us a commentary.

Leslie Gagg - Retired, Independent member

I am a barrister and was employed within the Magistrate's Court Service for 27 Years ,for the last 17 years at Yeovil Magistrates' court as Deputy Clerk and also training magistrates. I have always been very interested in young people and within my professional life I was always very involved with the Youth and Care Courts. I was involved with the setting up of the Youth Offending team

I was chairman of Young Somerset for a number of years. When YS closed I was invited by David to become a member of the SRYP Board. I am a governor of Strode College. Chair person of Vista and a trustee of the Croston Trust. 

My interests are travelling and quilting

Tony McMahon - Somerset County Councillor

Tony has not sent us a commentary. He is not standing for re-election in the May County Council elections and does not expect to be on the board of trustees after that.

Anita Hayne - Hayne Consulting Ltd, Independent member.

I have had a career in Human Resources for over 25 years working in multi nationals. Currently, and for the past 10 years, this has been running my own Human Resources and Organisational Development Consultancy working with organisations primarily within the South West, covering both the public and private sector.

I firmly believe in volunteering in my local community and have always had an interest in youth work which started by running youth events in the Mendips whilst I was at university. Having grown up in a rural environment, and living in one myself, as a mum of teenagers I see firsthand the issues they face and am pleased to be supporting a committed organisation who provide for rural youth in a dynamic way. I am able to bring my HR and OD knowledge and skills, and my business approach to a charity which continues to deliver and achieve its vision in this ever challenging economic landscape.

I am currently still involved in children’s and youth work in my local church, enjoy spending time with my family and being part of a village community. I am currently Chair of West of England Branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Jacky Barnes - Retired - Independent member

We currently do not have a suitable photo of Jacky.

My expertise is in local government finance. I have worked in a number councils in both accountancy and audit. My last role was as deputy treasurer to Somerset County Council.

I believe that SRYP not only benefits the rural youth of Somerset but also has a positive impact on the wider community. When I retired I joined the board, hoping to contribute my experience and expertise towards making that happen. I may not have worked with the young people of Somerset directly but I am the mother of two adult children and now have two grandchildren so I can understand some of the challenges that face them.My interests are music, art, literature and the WI!

Melanie Shuldham (temp Co Sec) - SRYP Company secretary & Chubb Bulleid Solicitors

Melanie has not yet sent us a commentary.