Meet your team

Phil is a recently retired chartered accountant who spent many years as an audit partner with BHP LLP. He specialised in acting for charities and academy trusts, with some of the largest local multi-academy trusts being amongst his former clients. Phil also spent several years as governor at a local school. As a life-long Sheffielder, Phil is very aware of the challenges which the city faces and the wide variations in health, skills and prosperity within its boundaries, with a particular impact on its children and young people. In his free time Phil enjoys running, cycling and watching cricket.

Lynda has had a varied career in a number of different educational settings. Her work with young people of a wide range of ages and ethnic and social backgrounds has encouraged great flexibility and awareness of young people’s needs, coupled with a caring approach and concern for equal opportunities. Lynda’s most recent role was Senior Learning Mentor at King Ecgbert School, Sheffield, where she also held the roles of Deputy Child Protection Officer, Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, and 6th form tutor and mentor to under-achieving pupils or those struggling with issues such as bereavement or mental health issues of their own or within the family. Lynda enjoys walking, learning Italian, attending yoga classes and spending time with family and friends.

Rosie has a background in human resources and senior management, gained in both the voluntary sector and Higher Education. She has run a local community centre, held senior roles in the National Trust and OXFAM UK/International and retired after 17 years as the HR Director of the University of Sheffield. She brings experience of governance, leadership and employment to her role as Trustee of SYC. Rosie is deeply committed to SYC and feels lucky to be able to support such an expert, vibrant and caring team, who in turn support such inspiring young carers and their families.

Sam has been a Trustee since September 2021. Sam was inspired by Sara and the team attending an event within the NHS to discuss the service and hear from voices of young carers. Sam was a young carer for her Mum from the age of 8, before SYC was established in 1997, which impacted greatly on her education and social networks. Sam is particularly interested in Safeguarding, supporting young carers to access education and the need for improved identification and support. Through hard-work and determination, Sam returned to education in 2008 and qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2013 - something she is incredibly proud of. Sam enjoys being with her family and dogs (Albert & Einstein), running climbing.

Steven has previously received support from SYC and has been a trustee for 6 years. Steven is a teacher and Young Carers Lead at a Sheffield primary school, and is passionate about using his experience and knowledge of education, safeguarding and events, as well as his first-hand experience as a young carer to support SYC, the families we work with and the improvement of identification and support for all young carers. Steven has a wide range of experience, specialising in Early Years, Primary Education and SEND at university, as well as working/volunteering across the city (Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme, NCS, Chillypep, and HEPP/HEPPSY). Steven enjoys hosting regular quiz nights, hiking in the Peaks, photography and baking for friends, family and colleagues.

Tom was a young carer from age 8 and got support through SYC, before eventually becoming a young trustee. Their experience as a young carer has given them a greater awareness of the needs of people who seek support through SYC. Tom is currently a planning student at the University of Sheffield and a councillor for Graves Park ward on Sheffield City Council; the youngest councillor in the city. Tom enjoys travel, cooking and gaming, and is never without a good book to read!

Agnes (she/her) has worked within health and social care for over 15 years, in both clinical and corporate roles. Agnes is an Engagement and Experience specialist, passionate about co-production, quality improvement, lived experience and social justice. Agnes has vast experience in co-developing strategies, policies and pathways through a trauma-informed & inclusive lens, and is a passionate anti-racist, standing up to any form of discrimination. Agnes has expert and charismatic presentation skills, previously presenting at international, national and regional conferences, as well as hundreds of courses, webinars and workshops. Away from her Trustee role and full-time employment, Agnes is an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Co-ordinator for the Sheffield Green Party and a parent to 2 cats.