Trustees play a vital role in helping the cardfactory Foundation turn its purpose into real, meaningful impact.
Through strategic oversight, challenge and guidance, they help ensure we remain focused on creating opportunities for people facing some of life’s toughest moments. Bringing together diverse skills, experience and perspectives, they help shape decisions, strengthen partnerships and maximise the difference we can make.
We’re delighted to welcome Shelley Lawton to our Board of Trustees. With a career spanning recruitment and HR, experience of working with charities, and a real passion for supporting young people, Shelley brings a valuable combination of professional insight and personal commitment to the Foundation. Her belief in giving back, alongside her understanding of the challenges people can face, makes her a fantastic addition to our passionate team of trustees.
We caught up with Shelley to find out more about her journey, what inspired her to join the Foundation and the impact she hopes to help create through the Foundation.
“I’ve been lucky to have the career I have had.”
I’m originally from New Zealand and spent a few years living in Australia before moving to the UK in 2011. I’ve worked in recruitment and HR for most of that time, and I feel fortunate to have built a career that’s allowed me to work across so many countries and different industries.
Moving into retail was a change I was really ready for when I joined cardfactory, and I’m thoroughly enjoying working somewhere with so much purpose and celebration.
“The perfect mix of my experience with charities and my pride in cardfactory.”
I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with another charity in my local area, so I’ve seen first-hand the impact a charity can have on its community.
I’m proud to work for cardfactory and I’m a big believer in doing the right thing and helping others. The opportunity to join the Foundation brought those two things together, allowing me to build on my experience with charities while contributing to something I’m proud to be part of.
“Putting more good into the world is something anyone can be very proud of doing.”
I’ve been fortunate in my life. We all face obstacles at times, but I’ve always had support behind me.
Finding a way to help people who don’t have as much support, or who need a little extra help, is my way of paying it forward. I’m committed to doing my part and helping create a world where more people have the support and opportunities they need.
“I’ve always wanted to do more to help young people.”
Supporting young people experiencing hardship or difficulties is something I connect with in particular.
I’ve always wanted to do more to help bridge the gaps in the systems that support young people. It’s an area I feel personally passionate about, and I’m really inspired to do what I can to help make a difference.
“We need a kaleidoscope of views when making decisions.”
I hope I can bring another perspective to the Foundation, joining an impressive group of passionate trustees.
My perspective is shaped by helping to run a charity day to day, as well as my experiences as a single mother, an immigrant and someone who firmly believes in helping others.
I hope these different experiences will help me contribute to discussions and decisions, bringing another viewpoint to the board as we consider how best to support the people and communities who need us.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the changes the Foundation can make for others.”
Not everything I do in my day job has such an immediate impact on people’s lives, so I’m looking forward to seeing – and shouting about – the difference the Foundation can make. Being able to see the outcomes of our work and share those stories with others is something I’m really excited about.
“I can’t wait to see how we can scale this up.”
A personal project I’ve been working on is a pilot work experience programme between cardfactory, the cardfactory Foundation and Centrepoint.
The aim is to give a small group of young people real-world work experience, followed by a paid part-time role in one of the cardfactory stores.
The pilot has gone really well, so I can’t wait to see how we can scale it up and make it bigger and better in the future, reaching even more people while working with amazing partners like Centrepoint. They’ve been an amazing partner on this pilot scheme, so watch this space!
Welcome, Shelley
Shelley’s appointment strengthens a trustee board that brings together different experiences, skills and perspectives, all united by a shared commitment to helping people and communities through life’s toughest moments.
Her passion for supporting young people, combined with extensive people and talent expertise will strengthen the Foundation’s work as it continues to grow its partnerships, programmes and impact across the UK.
We’re thrilled to welcome Shelley to the board and look forward to working with her to build on our impact, strengthen our partnerships, and help even more people access the support and opportunities they deserve. Stay tuned for more trustee news.
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