Maura's 12th anniversary as CEO

Maura's 12th anniversary as CEO

4385 days.

That’s how long I’ve worked as CEO at Backup, still called Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme back then. My 12th anniversary today. I already worked at the charity from 1997-1999 for 2.5 years as a support worker so this isn’t my first time here.

I started with a vision to do 4 years maximum. 1 to understand and get it, 2 to build, grow and strengthen it and 1 more to set it up for future success. Move On. There was so much exciting potential and opportunities that kept me there but what hooked me in was the impact. I kept being able to make a positive impact, which made a positive impact, which made a positive impact. It is a constant ripple effect.

What’s my legacy to date?

• I’ve applied for, secured, negotiated in the region of £6m in local government contracts, £12m in government funding, £2m in grants and trust funding and gradually took the fundraising income from £0 to £90,000 a year. This has included writing, completing and submitting 4 competitive tenders.
• I have created 60 new job posts with that funding. Turning 2 services for young people into 6. The headcount was 13 in 2012. Now 72 plus 20 sessional colleagues.
• I created and produced 2 music videos, 2018 and 2023. Our House by Madness and Moving on Up by M People. The latter supported by Heather Small and Miranda Hart. I was able to convince Heather to perform at our charity ball 2023.
• I led the organization through 3 Investors in People accreditations so far, all achieving GOLD standard. 2014, 2017 and 2020.
• I managed a rebrand and name change of the charity in 2018.
• I successfully led the organization through lots of change and a global pandemic.
• I have developed and supported emerging and existing leaders with coaching and mentoring.
• I have significantly improved the brand, visibility and partnerships with businesses, the public and supporters. I pride myself on my integrity as a leader and practitioner.
• I worked so hard to bring in a social enterprise.
• I have implemented planned and unplanned strategies to survive and grow. I have hit many barriers and I have worked round, through, over and under them. Things like funding cuts, service users deaths, terminating the occasional employment contract and dealing with disciplinaries, building closures, a shooting, a baseball attack and a couple of stabbings all need to be handled safely for all concerned.  Everything I have done has been to benefit the organization and ultimately young people.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, the impact of my input has left a positive Backup legacy………..

• Backup are a business and consumer supporting the local economy with £3.4m turnover. The majority spent in Bolton.
• There are 85 people on the payroll; 75% of which are living in Bolton.
• We are a Living Wage employer.
• Supported 3,600 (minimum) young people
• 87% have moved on successfully into stable accommodation equipped with skills and knowledge to live independently
• Backup has directly reduced sexual exploitation, offending, homelessness and repeat homelessness, rough sleeping, suicide, self harm, mental health crises, debt, substance abuse and unemployment.
• Backup support packages for young parents has stopped babies going into care and avoided being involved in the child protection systems.
• 13 ex residents have worked at Backup, 6 still do.
•  Young people supported here have gone on to become solicitors, nurses, bankers, business owners, baristas, parents, security guards, volunteers, retail workers, youth workers and more………..
• Numerous young people 30+ have graduated from university.
• Set up and delivered it’s first social enterprise. The Van.
• Backup has grown in every sense of the word. Increased staff numbers, more services, better quality of services, increased organizational resilience, more profile locally and nationally, more events, a bigger and better offer to young people, a strong positive culture as an employer and service provider.  

There is so much more I can tell you including I love all of it. None would be possible without a fantastic team of colleagues and I have been so lucky with committed and dedicated team members. The same with Trustees, a charity needs strong and safe governance and a Board who balance the right amounts of support, autonomy and guidance. Also supporters, funders and commissioners. Those who are the biggest cheerleaders for Backup – this is only possible with your backing.

What’s next?

More of the same. I was a CEO in London before this role and so that’s almost 16 years leading a charity. All my experience will be used to enable Backup to Evolve, Grow, Stay Strong.

Homelessness is a national crisis and at Backup we are winning many battles, just not the war. We, I, will carry on because young people at risk still need us so we will be here.