Alasdair has been the Chief Executive of Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), the local, not-for-profit, charitable leisure trust, since 2008 and has considerable experience of working in the public sector prior to this. An early member of the KYA group, Alasdair is the current Chair of KYA and has enjoyed being part of the group’s evolution over the past few years.
Our Journey
KYA was formed in response to the dismantling of Kirklees Council’s Youth Service in 2017, brought about by cuts in Council funding under the Government’s “austerity” policy.
Concerned individuals (including some of our current Trustees) came together to develop proposals to support VCSE sector youth provision across the district. This led to the formation of a steering group in Autumn 2017.
In early 2018, the steering group was successful in securing funding for a Development Manager.
Our Incorporation
In 2018, engagement took place with existing VCS youth organisations. An informal network of the organisations was formed and a newsletter began to connect members to funding, training and partnership opportunities.
In 2019, KYA network members delivered their first Healthy Holidays Programme, co-ordinated by the KYA core team and funded by Kirklees Council.
After 3 years based with “host” organisation, TSL Kirklees, KYA registered as an independent CIO with the Charity Commission in October 2020.
Our Vision is for...
A vibrant community youth sector across Kirklees.
Our Mission is to...
Support the delivery of high quality out-of-school youth work and positive activities, in the heart of communities, that encourages the development of all young people’s life skills and enables them to play an active role in society
Our Aims
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1. To work with partners to develop strong collaborative community youth offers across Kirklees.
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2. To be the voice and influence of the sector in local, regional and national strategic partnerships.
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3. To identify and pursue funding and opportunities to develop youth-led programmes delivered by member VCSE organisations.
Our Trustees
The CIO is overseen by a dedicated group of voluntary Trustees, who are
committed to trying to improve local provision for young people across Kirklees.
The Trustees bring a wealth of experience, from a range of backgrounds.
Alasdair Brown
Chair
Former Student’s Union President and University Governor, Adam, runs local CIC, Eden’s Forest. He is passionate about outdoor learning. As well as working with them, Adam has 11 children of his own!!
Adam Waterman
Trustee
A qualified youth worker with a PGCE in Lifelong learning, Kim has 12 years’ experience of working with young people. She is passionate about marginalised groups and leads KYA on E, D and I
Kim Bedeau-White
Trustee
With a degree in Business and Finance and a passion for the Third Sector, Louanne is a director of social enterprise, SEE Ahead, which provides specialist business support to other VCSE organisations.
Louanne Roberts
Trustee
Umar was part of the initial steering group, laying the foundations for establishing KYA. He is passionate about improving the life chances of all young people, regardless of their background, and raising aspirations so they can succeed in their chosen field.
Umar Rafiq
Trustee
As well as being the Chairman of a long-established Huddersfield company supplying the textile industry, Ian has served on the committee of Central Youth Club for over 25 years.
Ian Brierley
Trustee
Jean taught on the professionally qualifying degree course at the University of Huddersfield for 20 years (which has now sadly been closed). In this academic setting she specialised in researching how youth workers use their ‘self’ in their work, especially those of lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer identities. Jean is still committed to supporting the education and training of people in the youth and community work sector.
Jean Hatton
Trustee
Martin is the Chief Executive at C+K Careers – a position he feels proud and honoured to have. Martin has worked in West Yorkshire for 30 years having trained as a teacher here 32 years ago. He is passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion and believes all young people have the right to get the support that will help them achieve their aspirations.
Martin Green
Trustee
Our Staff
Prior to KYA, Susan enjoyed a 23-year career as a Young People’s Service Manager where she introduced a furnished tenancies scheme for 16-24 year olds and developed a pre-tenancy training programme for teenagers. Working for KYA, she has gained a huge respect for professional youth work practice.
Susan Greenwood
CEO
Kirsty established and delivered the Prince’s Trust Team Programme in Huddersfield and positively made an impact to many young people’s lives. This journey now continues with Kirklees Youth Alliance where she remains passionate about providing good quality experiences and opportunities for all young people in Kirklees.
Kirsty Pollock
Member Engagement and Impact Manager
Tyler Augustine
Youth Worker
Ashley Peprah
Social Media Officer
