Our Board of Trustees plays an important role in Child Action Northwest (CANW). It ensures good governance and provides a steer on the charity’s direction of travel. All the Board Members give their time on a voluntary basis and they each bring with them a unique and interesting perspective. We thought it would be good to find out a bit more about them.

Name: Steve Peddie

Role: Trustee and Chair

Please provide a little bit of background information about yourself

I have spent my career working in social care. Over the years I have worked with young people and children, young people and children with disabilities or challenges such as autism. I also have experience of safeguarding and criminal justice. I have seen this sector from many different angles, from commissioning functions through to agency roles within the voluntary sector. I became a director of adult and children social care, and I have also advised nationally. I am now in the fortunate position to have reduced my working week to part time, and this gives me the opportunity to use my experience and give back.

How long have you been a trustee of Child Action Northwest?

I was looking for a role which would pull upon my years of experience working with children and young people. Child Action Northwest fitted the bill perfectly. I joined the board as a trustee in April 2024. At that point Marguerite, the chair at the time, wanted to step back from the role and, with my background and senior experience throughout the sector, it felt a natural progression to take on the role of chair at Child Action Northwest.

What inspired you to get involved with Child Action Northwest?

My wife worked at Child Action Northwest for many years, managing the fostering service, so I had been aware of the charity and the work it does for a long time. I had also done some fundraising for the charity in the past, so I had a general awareness of the extent of its good work.

What skills do you think you bring to this role?

I understand the importance of partnership working and having a high level of governance in place. With my background, I also understand the range of services and support we offer, having seen it in action in the past. This all helps me develop the funding proposition for the charity and puts me in a good position to negotiate with commissioners. Also, with my background, I can help implement improvements and change within the back office ‘stuff’ too.

How do you think Child Action Northwest makes a difference?

Child Action Northwest is well named. Largely the services we offer are for children in the north west, and we focus on action rather than talk. Everything we do, we do in the best interests of the children and young people we are working with. We are a charity which is still small enough to be able to keep its focus on impact and individuals. We ensure that every contract is resourced properly and the services we offer are sustainable.

What do you enjoy about your role?

As the chair of Child Action Northwest, my role can be challenging. However, it is intensely satisfying to be in the position to maintain and improve some of the historic services , while having the opportunity to implement some of the new ideas and types of support, which are currently coming to fruition. I am looking forward to our new children’s home opening, and we are planning a further four. Where we see a need, we are in the position to do something about it – and that is really special.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Child Action Northwest Trustee?

A trustee role is a voluntary one, which is rewarding and absorbing in equal measures. I am always excited to welcome new trustees to the board. Every trustee brings something unique with them. When I talk to people about becoming a trustee, I do advise them to think about it carefully. I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from exploring the opportunity, but beyond having the time to commit, it is also imperative that they have the heart for it too.

Child Action Northwest is all about partnerships, negotiations and decision-making. As trustees, we are making decisions about a £7 million business. Our decision-making needs to be sound, as getting it wrong can really matter to people who are vulnerable and in need of our support.

How would you sum Child Action Northwest up in three words?

Child Action Northwest in three words? Impactful, important and passionate.