I really hope I can help to make a difference by improving the facilities we provide, supporting staff through more efficient operations, and contributing to the charity’s longer-term strategy.
Liz joined YMCA Doncaster as Head of Operations and Housing Services in July 2025.
Born in York, Liz lived there until she was 18, though being half-Irish meant many happy trips to Dublin to visit her large extended family, and to sing at the lively family parties! She later moved to Liverpool to study History and Economics at university before returning to York, where she worked in a chocolate factory while saving for a round-the-world trip. That journey lasted nearly two years and took her through India, Australia, and Fiji, sparking a lifelong love of travel.
Deciding that chocolate-making wasn’t her calling, Liz began her career in Facilities Management in London, working at a business centre in Piccadilly that offered high-quality serviced office space at a prestigious address. During her four years there, she rose to the position of Business Centre Manager and gained valuable experience – even if it sometimes meant unconventional tasks, like being sent to The Ritz to inspect the toilets!
After a brief return trip to Australia, Liz moved back to Yorkshire and joined the University of Leeds as a Project Officer within the Facilities Directorate. Over the next 22 years, she held a variety of roles within Facilities and Operations, most recently as Facilities Manager. In this position, she managed over 250 teaching and learning spaces, led a team of 40 staff, and oversaw numerous refurbishments and new-build projects. She particularly enjoyed being part of the student experience, from Freshers’ Week to Graduation, as well as managing major events, international conferences, and VIP visits.
During a recent career break, Liz volunteered with a small Leeds charity supporting asylum seekers and refugees, helping women from Afghanistan and Sudan to learn English and gain confidence within their community. This experience inspired her to take the next step in her career by working in the charity sector, where she could combine her operational expertise with a sense of purpose.
“YMCA Doncaster is a super charity providing much-needed housing and activities for young local people. The team are amazing – friendly and dedicated – and I’ve been made to feel very welcome. I really hope I can help to make a difference by improving the facilities we provide, supporting staff through more efficient operations, and contributing to the charity’s longer-term strategy.”
Outside of work, Liz loves spending time with her friends, being outdoors, and laughing with her daughter, who is now 19. She also continues her lifelong passion for singing as a member of a local choir and still loves to travel whenever she can.
If you’d like to join us in our efforts to have a positive impact on the vulnerable young people of Doncaster, then take a look at our current vacancies!