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South Yorkshire Charity Mentors (SYCM) is an independent Community Interest Organisation (CIO) and we have an experienced Chair and Board of Trustees. Our Executive Coordinator is responsible for the day to day running and management of SYCM and oversees the organisational strategy, the evaluation of quality and impact and manages our stakeholder relationships.

Meet the Team

Chris Hallam - Trustee

Chris is a highly experienced executive mentor and a successful transformational change and behaviour coach. Chris is also a voluntary sector CEO and Trustee. Chris is part of our team of mentors and you can learn more about Chris's background and expertise on his mentor profile.

Debbie Bennett - Senior Executive Officer

Debbie is our Senior Executive Officer, responsible for the day to day running of the charity. Debbie has considerable experience working with the voluntary sector, having spent a number of years as Community Liaison Coordinator for John Lewis plc, based in South Yorkshire. Debbie has also worked for the National Lottery.

Hayley Koseoglu - Trustee

Hayley has been a successful business owner for over 17 years. Hayley is an independent consultant providing both practical and strategic support and advice to service based businesses. Hayley is also Vice President at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Singer

Martin previously led the development of SYCM through its pilot period and was CEO until January 2025. Martin's career has included 25 years in retail leadership positions (branch, regional and Head Office roles) mainly working for John Lewis and Waitrose. More recently, Martin was an independent business consultant. From March 2025, Martin will be CEO at South Yorkshire's Community Foundation. Martin also volunteers as a Trustee with The Sheffield Museums Trust and Sheffield Cathedral Enterprises.

Nancy Fielder - Trustee

Nancy is Editor-In-Chief at Nationalworld.com, having previously been editor at The Sheffield Star and The Sheffield Telegraph

Ruth Willis
Ruth Willis - Trustee

Ruth Willis is currently the Chief Executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF). Ruth is an experienced senior leader and manager in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and in local government.  She studied at Manchester and Middlesex Polytechnics and Lancaster University.  Throughout her career as a consultant, employee and interim manager she has worked across the country in a variety of roles.  Ruth has also coached and mentored a number of people across the private and public sectors.  Ruth is a member of the Institute of Housing and a Fellow of the RSA.

Tony Pedder OBE DL - Chair

Tony’s executive career was with British Steel where he undertook various executive roles, culminating in becoming Group Chief Executive of British Steel’s successor company, Corus plc., in 2001. Since leaving Corus in 2003, he has undertaken a number of non-executive roles, including as Chair of Sheffield Forgemasters Ltd, Chair of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Chair of the Council of Sheffield University. Other NED roles have included local regeneration/job creation and the voluntary sector. Tony was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire in 2007 and awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to business, health and the voluntary sector in Sheffield.  He was Master Cutler in 2013/14.

Tracy Viner - Trustee

Tracy is currently Executive Manager at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. She is a passionate advocate for Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Tracy has a strong connection with both the business and voluntary sector, having held key roles in both areas during her career

Find out how to
Get Involved
South Yorkshire Charity Mentors Logo
Our mentoring programme connects the senior leaders of South Yorkshire’s charities and community groups with experienced leaders from other sectors, giving them the opportunity to secure strategic level mentoring and support. Our proactive programme is based on short term mentoring relationships which mainly focus on strategic issues. The programme is free of charge.