Barnsley 2030

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE

Leader of Barnsley Council

I'm very pleased to take the Chair of the Barnsley 2030 Board. The membership includes some of Barnsley's key anchor institutions: the Integrated Care Board, the college, Berneslai Homes, the Chamber of Commerce, and many others.

The Board's role provides oversight for the delivery of the Barnsley 2030 strategy, and acts as custodians of our borough's story moving forward. We all want Barnsley to build back better and hep communities move on from the pandemic. The 2030 vision, it's ambitions and the activities that will come from that, which we will launch later on this year, will focus on the next nine years to make our borough a place where anything is possible.

Bob Kirton

Managing Director at Barnsley Hospital

I’ve worked in Barnsley for over 10 years, and I love the place. There is so much pride here and it is great that we have been able to bring everyone together to ensure we focus our collective efforts in making Barnsley an even better place.

I’m passionate about improving our environment, I have a good understanding of how health works, and the Trust is one of Barnsley’s biggest employers so I’m hoping I bring insight around this too.

Amanda Garrard

Chief Executive of Berneslai Homes

I am proud to have been asked to be part of the Barnsley 2030 Board.

Although I work in housing, the work we do is much more than this and links well to the broader work that the Barnsley 2030 Board steer and oversee. I am particularly interested in how we grow Barnsley in its broadest sense – economically and physically – new homes and businesses within the borough. Growth brings with it opportunities to enhance learning, skills and jobs and provides the chance for tenants and residents to improve their circumstances and income.

I bring a wealth of social housing and community knowledge to the Board but also a passion to work with communities creating vibrant, diverse and thriving neighbourhoods.

Andrew Lancashire

Chair of the Barnsley School's Alliance

Andy has had a long career in education, as a teacher and headteacher, as well as Local Government with North Yorkshire Council as Head of School Improvement. Recently, he's worked as a service director for education and inclusion, Children and Young People Services at Wakefield Council. He was part of an outstanding leadership team (Ofsted November 2021). Since retiring in October 2023, he's become the chair of the Barnsley Schools Alliance, the independent chair of Rochdale’s Fair Access Panel and a trustee with Lingfield Education Trust, Accord Academy Trust (Wakefield) and Leeds Diocesan Learning Trust. He's also a Coach and Mentor with the Local Government Association. He also delivers the national SEND programme for Staff College.

Andy began his career as a reception teacher in 1984 in London. He's taught all primary age groups as well as holding senior leadership positions across several local authorities.

In his spare time Andy likes to play guitar (badly) and follow Salford Red Devils RLFC and Bolton Wanderers FC. He's also an avid reader of various genres of literature from Grayson Perry to Bernard Cornwell.

Carrie Sudbury

Chief Executive Designate of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber

The Chamber currently has a membership of over 1,100 businesses across Barnsley and Rotherham. It engages widely on behalf of its members with a number of organisations and partners.

I have been within the Chamber for 10 years, and recently appointed as Chief Executive Designate. Over those years, we've assisted and enabled businesses to network, grow and thrive. Allowing them to become the best they possibly can be.

I’m delighted to join a vibrant board such as Barnsley 2030. They have already made such striking developments and enhancements for Barnsley. I’m honoured to be part of it and to be part of Barnsley’s exciting future. I’m passionate about economic collaboration and collectively thriving within business.

Dan Winder

CEO/AD at Barnsley Civic

Dan is the new CEO/AD at Barnsley Civic; one of South Yorkshires’ premiere arts and performance venues, delivering high-quality, fun, inspirational, and enlightening work for its local community and supporting the next generation of Yorkshire artists.

For the previous five years he was CEO/AD at Stanley Arts, a 120 year old grade 2 listed Edwardian masterpiece in South London; and a modern, dynamic, radically inclusive National Portfolio Organisation funded by Art Council England.

He was also the chair of the steering group for Croydon's year as London Borough of Culture; funded by The Mayor of London and Croydon Council; and is Treasurer of the new legacy body, Culture Croydon; plus Croydon's Creative Enterprise Zone.

Up until 2019 Dan ran Iris Theatre, where his work was nominated for fourteen Offwestend Awards; and his 2016 production of Treasure Island won the Best Production for Young People in the ‘Offies. Though based in their home at the Actor's Church in Covent Garden, during his 12 years at Iris Dan also directed and wrote work at Hoxton Hall, London's Open Air Theatre and the Union Theatre.

Dan was raised in Bolton, Lancashire. He has a PhD in Physics but in 2006 he graduated as an actor. He has worked as a theatre maker, venue manager, producer, director and writer.

David Akeroyd

Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Barnsley College

I'm delighted to be a member of the Barnsley 2030 board representing the college as a core anchor institution for the borough. I've worked in education for the last 15 years, 4 of which have been here in Barnsley. I'm fully committed to the transformative nature of education.

The opportunity to help shape the future of our communities is a privilege and I'll do all that I can to support health, learning, growth and sustainability across our work.

Dawn Lawson

With a PhD in health psychology and a Masters in Public Administration, Dawn has worked as a post-doctoral researcher undertaking health research and as a senior leader in the NHS.

She began her career working with people with learning disabilities in the NHS and in the third sector, and was an early career researcher with a focus on people with learning disabilities and health inequalities.

This experience underpinned and drove her early academic career as a health researcher, the focus of which was health inequality and people with learning disabilities. It was during this work that Dawn really learned the difference between equality and equity.

Since then, Dawn has had a varied career, holding senior and executive level positions across the NHS, achieving impact in complex and uncertain settings.

She has experience of working in NHS organisations large and small, working in the smallest Trust in England and the largest teaching hospital in Europe.

Dawn is excited and passionate about the power of improvement and innovation and has extensive experience in applying quality improvement methodologies, implementing technology and using the power of data to improve systems and outcomes.

She is a strong advocate for partnership and co-design, not only relating to service delivery but inclusive research design, data usage and methods and focus for improvement.

Dawn is also a collaborative leader who has experience of leading in complex systems, working across the health and academic sectors and the life sciences industry.

She has a track record of implementing improvement and innovation that leads to tangible change for patients.

Dawn is also co-chair of the National Institute for Health Research Impact Board.

Emma Baines

Youth Voice and Participation Operational Manager

I've been a Youth Worker in Barnsley for twenty years and I’m also proud to live and work in the Borough.

Working with our young people gives me real insight into what future generations want from our town. They have aspirations for a thriving safe and welcoming place where they can earn a good living and live a good life with their families and friends. They want to hold on to the heritage of our town but also enable new and exciting opportunities which will secure Barnsley’s Future.

Young people want to improve their health and lifestyle choices in a place that works to protect the environment and offers services to people that are accessible, reliable and fair.

I’d agree that our Young People’s views and aspirations aren’t far from what we’d all like to see and I’m keen to ensure that we support them to be involved in making these things happen.

Emma Beal

Principal and Chief Executive Officer of The Northern College

I am an experienced education professional who has led, managed, and delivered across a broad spectrum of educational areas within South Yorkshire over the last 22 years. As Principal and Chief Executive of The Northern College, my role is to continue the proud and distinguished history of inspiring positive change through adult education.

I have recently joined the Board of Barnsley 2030 and I am excited to collaborate on such an important project that will have positive change for the students who come to the college as well as people who call Barnsley home.

Helen Browne

Service Leader, South Yorkshire, DWP

I am a proud member of the Barnsley 2030 Board. I have the honour of looking after DWP services across South Yorkshire. Although relatively new to the South Yorkshire role, I bring experience of working across the North at a strategic and local operational delivery level. I care passionately about the people and places we serve and know that if we get it right, we can make a genuine difference to the local community and even the wider society. Often, it’s only through our strong networks that we can really help DWP customers get back into work. This helps employers fill their vacancies now and meet labour demands and make sure we have meaningful, joined up support for the most vulnerable in our society.

Jamie Wike

Deputy Place Director (Barnsley) South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)

As a Barnsley resident and having worked for over 25 years in both the Local Authority and Health I am extremely proud to be a part of the Barnsley 2030 Board and contribute to the collaborative approach to delivering real improvement for the people of Barnsley.

Although I work in Health, as a Barnsley resident with children and parents also living in Barnsley I am committed to maximising the opportunities that we have through partnership working to grow the economy, improve the environment and make Barnsley a healthy and safe place to live – a town where people continue to be proud to live.

The Integrated Care Board for South Yorkshire, working alongside the Integrated Care Partnership is committed to addressing health in our communities, improving the quality of care for those who need it and improving the health and wellbeing for our whole population. I believe that working with partners through the 2030 Board will help to make sure that we can be successful in achieving these things.

Jo Taylor

Operations Director at Barnsley Norse

Barnsley Norse is a soft facilities management company based here in Barnsley. We provide cleaning and caretaking services to facilities throughout the Yorkshire region, employing over 700 staff, and delivering services to key public-sector clients.

Being on the Barnsley 2030 Board is an exciting opportunity for me to contribute back to the borough and its communities, especially as I have lived and worked here for many years. I am looking forward to being part of this process and hearing from the whole Barnsley 2030 team whose multiple perspectives of industry and social life will be enlightening and enriching.

The Barnsley 2030 Board will help level up our economy, through increased opportunities for people, and help to make Barnsley a better place to live through sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure in the region. I am honoured to have been asked to join the Barnsley 2030 Board and contribute to Barnsley’s development and successful future!

Joada Allen

President of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Director of Visualised It Video Production

I am a local businesswoman, mother and stepmother. My interest in Barnsley runs deep as I have spent many years teaching the hardest to reach young people who are often from our care system or from families in poverty.

I was also once a business start-up with a big dream and no money and have seen how the right support can help individuals and businesses to grow dramatically. Recently as President, I have witnessed the Barnsley business community survive and thrive in the face of adversity. I've seen great things from individuals and institutions who are all proud to be from Barnsley.

I am objective in my thinking and always think inclusively, and I am often the person to ask difficult questions. There is no reason that we should be leaving people behind in our development for any reason. My role is to listen, understand the Barnsley 2030 plan and give my input, to benefit Barnsley and support an inclusive economy.

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Martin Beasley

Chief Executive, Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre Ltd

I’m delighted to be representing the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre on the 2030 board, working alongside key strategic partners to improve the borough for everyone.

I've dedicated my career to driving economic growth and fostering a vibrant business environment in Barnsley. My deep-rooted experience in business support and economic development has equipped me with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our region.

I'm committed to delivering results-oriented initiatives that create jobs, stimulate innovation, and enhance the overall quality of life for our communities and give everyone the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

I'm also a member of the Inclusive Economy Board and the Positive Climate Partnership which are working together to create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable borough.

Matthew Stephens

President of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Owner of Castlebray Services Ltd

I am privileged to represent the Chamber of Commerce on the Barnsley 2030 Board. I have gained extensive experience in placemaking through maximising the potential of public spaces to help regenerate localities, create new jobs and improve skill sets within the local community.

I’m also a board member of the Principal Towns project which has set a strong foundation upon which to build the Barnsley 2030 vision. The role of the board will be to deliver the Barnsley 2030 vision, turning Barnsley into the place of possibilities.

My experience within the property development sector will complement the wider board membership. I will also provide a link through my role at the Chamber of Commerce with the local Barnsley business community which will enable the voice of the business to form part of the strategy that will drive the Barnsley 2030 project.

I am also a member of the Inclusive Economy Board, which has key links to our ambitions for both Growing Barnsley and Learning Barnsley.

Melanie Corcoran

Executive Director of Transport at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

Melanie is responsible for public transport operations, transport policy and strategy, bus reform and capital development and infrastructure delivery. With an investment portfolio of over £2bn in development or delivery the key investments include the renewal of the tram infrastructure, developing plans for tram extensions, and upgrading/developing new rail and tram stops.

Melanie joined SYMCA early in 2024 and has successfully overseen the transfer of the South Yorkshire Supertram back into public control, under South Yorkshire Future Trams Limited (SYFTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of SYMCA, which also runs the only tram-train service in the country. She has secured early draw down of funding for the renewal of the tram infrastructure, rolling stock and depot. She is also leading on Bus reform with an independent audit of a bus franchising assessment underway.

Melanie was previously at WYCA for 7 years leading on the delivery of infrastructure schemes, appraisal and assurance, transport policy and delivery. Prior to that Melanie held various public and private sector roles, working in KPMG’s advisory practice and working in local government roles.

Melanie is passionate about delivering efficient public services and ensuring the best use of public funds. She is committed to developing people and working strategically with partners to achieve shared objectives. Throughout her career she has designed and delivered services, projects and programmes which meet agreed objectives with partners, the needs of the customer, and provide value for money. This has ranged from major infrastructure schemes, corporate efficiency programmes and corporate centre organisational redesign, transport, regeneration and place making.

Michael Hirst

Chief Executive Barnsley Premier Leisure

Collaboration is a good thing! And it is an absolute honour to represent Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) on the Barnsley 2030 board and have the opportunity to work alongside a talented bunch of people who are determined to promote and advance our fantastic town.

BPL are a Barnsley founded charitable trust that operates Health, Fitness and Leisure venues across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire employing over 500 people. Our venues operate a wide variety of leisure activities including the regional attraction of The Metrodome in the heart of Barnsley.

I’ve worked and promoted our town for the last nineteen years and as chief executive of BPL I’m leading a transformation of our charity to become a force for good in Barnsley, by bringing innovative solutions to attract more people to a healthier and more active lifestyle. We’re here to make Barnsley 'feel good' and the collaborative working of this board will only benefit this purpose.

Mike Winstanley

Regional Manager Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Mike started working in the environmental sector in 1986 as a warden in the Greater Manchester river valleys. He then progressed through the service to Chief Warden and later Countryside Manager, developing and leading new countryside services throughout Bolton, Bury and Salford.

After a 20-year career, Mike took the chance to continue his management development at Royal Mail before going on to train and qualify at undergraduate level as a psychologist and counselling therapist. He was working with the NHS and third sector mental health support organisations in Lancashire.

Mike returned to the environmental sector in 2016. He joined the Wildlife Trust in Lancashire to develop and lead an influential and nationally recognised, NHS supported programme of ecotherapy activity, known as ‘Myplace’ with young people across the county.

Since then, he's taken the opportunity to learn and update his experience and knowledge. He's been working with third sector environmental charities in Wales and in the West Midlands. This resulted in a successful appointment three years ago to his current role of South and West Regional Manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Mike is delighted to join the 2030 Board and help to deliver on the aspirations of Barnsley residents.

Sarah Norman

Chief Executive of Barnsley Council

I have been involved with the Barnsley 2030 work from the start and I am really excited to work with partners and communities across the borough to realise our vision to be the place of possibilities.

I see my role as ensuring that the council does everything it can to help the borough realise its ambitions and working with colleagues on the Board to seize opportunities and overcome any challenges that we face.

Simon Wanless

District Commander for Barnsley at South Yorkshire Police

I am Simon Wanless the police district commander for Barnsley. I’ve worked for South Yorkshire Police for over 20 years and previously spent 5 years working in Barnsley. I’ve had numerous uniform roles within the force and have worked across the county.

The partnership relationship in Barnsley is one of the strongest and most effective that I have experienced. I have no doubt that the scope and scale of expertise of the broad range of partners represented in the 2030 board will be hugely effective and a driver for positive change for the Borough. I am delighted to be part of it.

Tony Wright

Sustainability Change Manager at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Hi, I’m Tony, for around 30 years I've worked in various NHS roles in Barnsley and our neighbouring areas such as Sheffield, Leeds, and Bassetlaw. In my current role I lead on developing the work of our social responsibility and sustainability strategy. As part of that I'll provide a link to the Barnsley Positive Climate Partnership on the Barnsley 2030 Board.
I am a firm believer in the benefits of good partnership working, and I am keen to work with my fellow Board members, to use the levers we possess to benefit the residents of Barnsley and give everyone the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

I'm particularly keen to contribute to the progress of our town’s zero carbon ambitions. As a proud Barnsley resident of well over half a century, I'll also do whatever I can to help support the continued all round improvements we've seen in the borough over recent years.

Torri Crapper

General Manager, Wentworth Castle Gardens (The National Trust)

I’m really excited to join the Barnsley 2030 Board as we look forward to the future together with a shared vision, and a collaborative and inclusive approach which puts people at the heart of Barnsley being the place of possibilities.

This shared vision and ambition for the future of Barnsley maximises our opportunities to work in partnership to really make a meaningful difference for the people who call Barnsley home.