Jill began her journey in the Third Sector in 1994 after a career in the Travel Industry. Her first role was managing a unique Travel Agency established as a social enterprise and developing work in HMP Barlinnie, an innovative European Social Fund project in partnership with organisations in France and Sicily.
She then moved into a development role with The National Autistic Society, where she set up and managed ‘Prospects’ an employment support service for individuals on the autism spectrum. Eventually becoming an accredited trainer to disseminate the model to professionals around the UK.
Jill was instrumental in the development and management of the first ‘Social Impact Bond’ in Scotland delivered by YMCA Tayside. Jill continues to be passionate in exploring progressive funding models to further the work of the YMCA. Continually raising awareness and pursuing the development of projects using a Social Finance mechanism.
As part of ‘The Y Centre’ design team, Jill took on the challenge of leading on the design and development. Successfully raising over £6 million in order to completely renovate St Andrews and St Stephens Church into a state of the art, fully functional YMCA Youth Facility in central Perth. Incorporating a shop, workshop, digital suite and also emergency/transition housing. Enabling YMCA Tayside to deliver youth work for generations to come.
With extensive experience of leading, developing and managing in the fields of employability, health and social enterprise, Jill continues to enjoy the opportunities, challenges and the privilege to work with a dedicated and professional team at YMCA Tayside.
Franny started working with young people in 1997 as a volunteer, he loved it so much that he's been doing it ever since. Franny joined the YMCA in 2002 and has developed skills and expertise in various areas including recruiting and managing senior staff, sourcing finances and developing partnerships.
Barry joined YMCA Tayside in 2012 after shifting focus to youth development, drawing on lifelong experience with the Air Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and rugby coaching. As Business and Enterprise Manager, he oversees social enterprises including Y-Explore, coordinates SQA activities, and manages venue bookings and rentals. Barry’s leadership continues to challenge and inspire young people, using his broad experience to support their personal growth and development within the YMCA community.
Tony has been a part of the YMCA since 2005 when he started as a volunteer. He joined our staff team in 2008 and has run several different projects over the years. Although he is now in a management position, he is still involved in developing our Y Innovate project which he started back in 2012. He is passionate about giving young people the opportunity to develop their digital skills as he as done at the Y over the years.
Tony now brings his years of youth work experience and deep knowledge of the organisation to his role as Office & Finance Manager. He dos his best to ensure the team have everything they need to continue doing the great work YMCA Tayside is known for!
Matthew, originally from The Kingdom of Eswatini in Africa, relocated to Scotland in 2004. While exploring various career options, he came realised that the enjoyable and fulfilling opportunities given to him through volunteering the YMCA aligned with his aspirations and he was keen to do more.
In 2013, Matthew began his journey with the YMCA and has steadily progressed to become one of our Senior Youth Workers responsible for all our Employability & Skills Development opportunities.
As a senior youth worker with the Y, Matthew is deeply dedicated to empowering young people to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
When not at work Matthew will often be found spending time with those closest to him, playing sport or enjoying a good game of rugby on TV.
Pam is one of the newest members of the YMCA Tayside team having worked in various youth and community work settings, and currently oversees our Church partnerships and Youth Work delivery, and is on the Board of Trustees for Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee.
Pam's previous roles have included working for the Church of Scotland overseeing a gap year scheme with the Presbyterian church in the USA, working for Glasgow City Mission supporting people to move through housing services to find more permanent solutions to their housing needs and working as a tutor and placement manager at YMCA George Williams College and International Christian College on their youth and community work degree programmes. Pam also spent 15 years Linlithgow Young People’s project managing this service for half of her time there.
I grew up in a little farming town in the South West of Scotland, before moving to Aberdeen for a few years for an attempt at university, and then to Perth for work.
Before working for the YMCA I worked in supported housing for people who were struggling with mental health problems. In my spare time, I play lots of boardgames with friends, volunteer with Scripture Union and my local community group, and read a bunch too.
I enjoy working with computers and am fairly hand with technology
At the YMCA I lead the partnership with North Muirton Community Hall, our faith based work, and work on the Universal youth work we deliver from our premises in the city centre.
My journey with the YMCA began in 2012 when I participated in the Prince's Trust Programme as part of Barry’s first group. This experience provided me with my first qualifications, which helped me secure my first job. Eleven years later, I returned to the YMCA as a volunteer and later as a student on placement. After completing my HNC, I was incredibly fortunate to be offered a part-time position as a youth worker. Now, I have the privilege of working alongside an incredible team, and I thoroughly enjoy every moment of it.
Rebecca has been involved with the Y for several years in various roles, including sessional work and student placements. These experiences have deepened her passion for the YMCA’s mission, and she is excited to continue contributing.
In 2025, Rebecca began a new role as Volunteer Coordinator and also supported staff projects in an administrative capacity. During this time, she also became a Change Agent in Cohort 6 of the Global Leadership Programme with World YMCA.
In July 2025, Rebecca was proud to take on the role of coordinator for Y Thrive, YMCA Tayside’s new mentoring service designed to support young people with their mental health. She is incredibly excited to be part of the program from its early stages and to help shape a service that empowers both young people and the volunteers who are a vital part of the project.
Outside of the YMCA, Rebecca enjoys reading, wild swimming, and cooking new and exciting meals.
Born and raised in Perth, I began my journey with the YMCA in 2021 through a 6-month contract under the government Kickstart Scheme. After completing the program, I chose to continue as a volunteer, motivated by the positive and fulfilling experience I had.
In 2023, I was offered a part-time position as a Youth Worker, joining an incredible team. My focus has been on S.T.E.M. based learning and development, where I help deliver sessions in schools and run projects at the YMCA.
Outside of my work with the YMCA, I enjoy playing board games and Dungeons & Dragons, as well as participating in team sports like rugby and cricket.
Liam leads YMCA Tayside’s universal youth work and open drop-ins, offering a safe and supportive space where young people can socialise, learn, and grow. He also oversees Dundee’s men’s wellbeing work, providing one-to-one mentoring, group sessions, and practical activities such as fitness, cooking, and outdoor experiences, helping participants build resilience, confidence, and healthier futures.
Mia has been involved with YMCA Tayside since 2019. She first connected with the Y as a young person looking for a fun and engaging after-school activity with friends, and began attending the Phoenix Youth Club. From there, her involvement quickly grew as she became a member of Journey to Freedom and took part in the first Youth Voice group, helping to shape youth engagement at the Y.
After moving on to university, Mia initially thought her time with YMCA Tayside might be coming to an end. However, when the opportunity arose for a student placement, she was thrilled to be placed back at the Y — a place she already knew and loved. Following a full-time placement, Mia knew she wanted to stay involved and took on a role as a sessional youth worker alongside her studies.
Now a full-time youth worker, Mia has brought her journey full circle. She leads several of the church partnership projects she once attended as a young person and plays an active role in many other exciting areas of YMCA Tayside's work.
In early 2024 Richard returned to his native homeland of Scotland after living in Australia and New Zealand for 15 years. In an effort to reengage with his local community while also motivated by his passion towards supporting young people he became a volunteer at the YMCA. Richard’s work background in furniture making and ability to put his hand to just about anything was valued by the YMCA and has since become one of the most recent additions to the staff team. Richard carries out the maintenance needs of the Y centre and shares his practical and design skills with young people in the Y centre's creative workshop.
Outside of work Richard has a passion for classic scooters, photography, and travel.