Our Trustees
Our trustees are dedicated individuals who share a passion for The Big Trusts mission. They bring diverse expertise, unwavering commitment and a shared vision to guide and support our efforts.
Each trustee brings unique skills and perspectives, and with their leadership we strive to create lasting change and fulfil our purpose in everything we do.
Want to know more about our trustees, read below.
Tim Johnston
Chair of trustees
Tim is chair of The Big Trust and has been a trustee since the charity was formed in 2016.
Tim is a graduate economist and chartered accountant. He was co-founder and has significant consultancy and business experience with AMION consulting since 2000.
Prior to establishing AMION, Tim was the partner leading KPMG's UK Infrastructure and Government line of business, and his focus was on economic development and project business planning.
He has served in a number of non-executive roles:
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He is Chairman of Onward Homes, a large social landlord with 35,000 homes across the North- West of England.
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He is Non - executive Chairman of a specialist public sector-focused joint venture developer - Langtree Property Partners Ltd (LPP).
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He is a Vice President (Honorary) of Lancashire County Cricket Club.
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He was a Non-Executive Director for 10 years in the NHS and served for 7 years with Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which merged with The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Trust in 2019.
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Following merger and until October 2022, he was a Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of the newly formed Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - where he was also Chair of the New Hospitals Committee. The new Royal Hospital opened successfully in October 2022.
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He is a former Board member of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society and its trading subsidiary Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and Events Ltd.
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He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University in 2011 for his consultancy work with the University and in Liverpool.
James Smith
Trustee
James Smith is the Human Resources Director at Merseyrail, which operates the Mersyrail rail network in the Liverpool CIty Region.
James' human resources career started at Veolia Environmental services, in the waste management sector. He then progressed in various HR roles within their organisation across England and Scotland.
Prior to joining Merseyrail as Head of HR in January 2020, James joined Network Rail - supporting the growth of their North West and Central route maintenance and works delivery organisations and High Speed Two Limited (HS2) in Birmingham and London.
Within his role as Human Resources Director, James leads the HR team and people and Merseyrail's community and charity agenda.
James is delighted to support the work at The Big Trust as one of the Trustee's.
Jean Ellis
Trustee
Jean qualified as a Chartered Accountant with DSG and then became tax-qualified.
Previously an audit manager with the firm, Jean left practice to work in the industry for five years where she joined a London based PLC which specialised in investing in businesses in Africa.
Jean re-joined DSG as a partner in 2002 and the knowledge gained during her time spent working in Africa has provided invaluable experience for working with her clients.
Since re-joining DSG Jean qualified as a licenced Insolvency Practitioner. This has given her invaluable experience and insight to allow her to advise clients on asset protection, risk and corporate structure.
Jeans client portfolio includes a wide and varied mix of different types and sizes of corporate businesses. She also heads up DSG's not for profit and charities team.
Jean is trustee of The Big Trust, and another local charities and is a member of the finance committee for Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Liverpool Hope University.
Bobby McGee
Trustee
Bobby is a Charity manager with fourteen years experience at senior management level in the public and voluntary sectors.
Managing the accounts of high-profile donors, companies and fundraising groups across the North West and Wales ensuring the brand is clear and stewardship of partners and healthcare providers is at the forefront.
Extensive experience working with community groups, engaging and growing corporate partnerships and organising mass participation events. I offer intelligent and creative leadership which can energise, motivate and focus a team. My personal skills centre on the ability to build and nurture relationships with people and generate profitible income streams.
Key personal achievements
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BNI Merseyside Business Networker of the Year 2020
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Developing and strengthening brands of charities to create partnerships with National Organisations.
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Ensured strategy and income phasing within the charity budget to deliver proposed targets
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Performed closing sets at Glastonbury & Creamfields and festivals across the globe.
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Administered changes to historical strategies to ensure income growth after a merger
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Qualified business coach through John Haynes International Coaching Academy and BSL Level 1.
Shazney Spence
Trustee
Shazney is a passionate and highly intuitive coach whose purpose and passion is to help men and women live aligned, intentional lives, follow their bliss whilst enjoying a state of clarity and calm. Continually helping individuals to step into their power with confidence, ease and grace.
Shazney Spence is a Life Architect, entrepreneur, and advocate for personal transformation. She champions initiatives that empower women in leadership. With a background in corporate consultancy and mental health advocacy, she has delivered impactful talks, mindset coaching, and mentoring programs across various sectors. Shazney is passionate about supporting young people, particularly those with learning difficulties, and works closely with SEN schools to create inclusive, empowering environments. Her expertise in resilience, mindset coaching, and leadership development continues to inspire individuals and organizations alike.
Mark Forman
Trustee
Mark is a partner in MSB solicitors, having joined in 2010. Having qualified as a Solicitor in 1994, he successfully practiced in a large corporate law firm before founding his own commercial firm.
With 30 years of legal experience in advising businesses and indicuduals in all non0contentious and contentious commercial issues, he has a strong reputation in resolving disputes and delivering effective commercial solutions for his clients.
Over the years, he has represented a significant number of large commercial businesses, SME's, directors of companies, those seeking to acquire a business, shareholders and individuals.
Mark advises on Acquisitions and sales of business, commercial/IPR contract, Business disputes, IPR disputes, Construction contracts and adjudications, Breaches of contract, Professional Negligence, Employment and Mediation.