Spirit of 2012 has added three new directors to its Board. Together with the seven existing directors, they will help Spirit of 2012 in our work to amplify the voice of young people, embed diversity from the top, and cultivate a user-led approach to programming. All three young women have previously served on Spirit of 2012’s Youth Advisory Panel, which has been responsible for designating the Youth Challenge Fund and participating more widely on recruitment and interview panels and committee meetings, since it started in 2014.
The panel, chaired by Board member Sana Amin has now concluded, and Spirit of 2012 extends its thanks to Sana as she steps down from the Board. These new appointments go even further in ensuring that youth inclusion, one of the organisation’s key strategic aims, is at the forefront of decision making: Spirit of 2012’s Board now has an average age of 42, compared to the sector average of 57. Chair of the Board, Jane Gibson said:
“Youth inclusion and participation is absolutely at the centre of everything we do at Spirit of 2012. Having a youth panel has without a doubt brought new perspectives to our decision-making, but above all, an integrity to our work.”
Introducing our three new directors
Hayley Bennett
Hayley is an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant and campaigner. She runs a consultancy that advises employers and brands in the charity, sports and education sectors. Her passion for inclusion in sport led her to co-found Nutmegs, a growing football community for women of colour and non-binary people of colour.
Kirsty Ewen
Kirsty is a swimming coach, mental health campaigner and an ambassador for Scottish Swimming’s Young Volunteer Programme. She is based in Inverness where she is currently combining two part-time jobs at Scottish Disability Sport and Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
Bethany Steventon-Crinks
Beth is a theatre maker, facilitator and qualified youth worker. As Ramps on the Moon’s Agent for Change at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, she champions accessibility and inclusivity for D/deaf and disabled people as both employees, audience members and creatives.
To see our full Board membership along with more detailed biographies, please click the link.
