Carol O’Hare, Chair of Trustees

Carol joined the Board in January 2017 as a trustee with a background in Finance. She was elected as Vice-chair in 2018 and Chair in 2020 following the retirement of Andy Birtwistle due to rotation. She has a degree in Economics, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Tax.

She retired as a tax partner from PwC in 2015. Throughout her career Carol has held a number of management positions and specialised in providing taxation advice to a wide range of organisations.

Carol has a keen interest in enabling young people to achieve their potential irrespective of background or circumstances.

A dedicated runner and a member of the YMCA Harriers, Carol received their Benidorm Cup for Best Overseas Performance in 2019 after winning her age category in the Verona half marathon.

Reverend Canon Simon Gatenby, Trustee and Honorary Chaplain

Simon is the Honorary chaplain, leading a team of 12 volunteer chaplains, and serves as a member of the YMCA Board.

He has 30 years experience of urban parish ministry, and is enthused wherever supportive, inclusive and aspirational communities can be developed. He continues an active interest and involvement in youth work, not least as his partner is founder/manager of the acclaimed M13 youth project.

Additional responsibilities include serving as a tutor to Westcott House Cambridge Theological College, Cambridge, Honorary Canon at Manchester Cathedral, Governor at Medlock Primary School, and a member of the Manchester YMCA Youth and Community subcommittee.

Andrew Birtwistle, Trustee

Andrew joined the Board in 2005 and served as Chair of Trustees from 2011 to 2020 before stepping down by rotation.

He is currently Managing Director of three companies involved in industrial property development, investment and construction.

Over his career, Andrew has been a Director of 31 companies covering a wide range of operational businesses. In addition to his broad knowledge on property, Andrew has extensive experience in leading and managing teams. Andrew also chairs the Castlefield Hotel Board and the Y Club subcommittee.

In his spare time Andrew plays badminton, and is a keen runner and hillwalker.

Gavin Tucker, Trustee

Gavin has been a member of the Y Club for over 10 years, taking his interest in mountain biking into the Y Club studio as a volunteer spin instructor.

Gavin qualified as a certified accountant in 1996. He has worked in the accountancy profession for over 30 years providing VAT advice to a diverse range of businesses and organisations in the not-for-profit sector.

During this time, Gavin has had to use his skills to deliver projects, manage teams and associated budgets, all of which can be utilised to help maintain the ongoing operational and financial position of the Manchester YMCA.

Carol Hamlett, Trustee

Carol joined the Board in 2019 after working for the YMCA for several years. Carol’s background is in finance and she led on work towards the ISO9001 accreditation first achieved in 2017.

Carol’s current role is with Barclays Bank Technology Centre; co-ordinating and overseeing system data and records compliance.

Carol has volunteered at local Church Lad’s and Church Girl’s Brigades for many years; taking groups of youngsters away, running sports competitions and being a member of a marching band.

Peter Hood, Trustee

With a background running a successful photographic studio, Peter is a long time member of the Y Club and joined the Board in 2019.

Ryan Miemczyk, Trustee

Ryan’s current role is Head of Research at Trust Impact, where he works with charities to help them show the difference they make.

Ryan’s background includes working within the Health and Social Care sector for over 17 years where built a record of delivering outcomes at both strategic and operational levels in complex political and multi-stakeholder environments. Ryan’s experience has been gained across the public, private and charity sectors, with his previous role having been with the NSPCC, where he led projects for the prevention of sexual abuse from service development through to implementation and evaluation.

In his spare time Ryan also sits as a Trustee for the Manchester Young Lives charity and coaches the England Touch Rugby team as well as representing them at master’s grade.

Occasionally we seek out new people with relevant skills to help strengthen our Board. If you are interested please contact paul@ymcamanchester.org.uk