Skip to main contentScroll Top
Meet the EBFT team
Get to know our team! From our leadership to our frontline staff, find out who’s who at the Elaine Bain Family Trust.
Meet
Our Team

All our team are locals who have lived and worked in the area for a considerable amount of time.

In addition to working at EBFT, their placement and contributions at the heart of the local communities across the borough gives an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities which young people are presented with. Each individuals knowledge and links gives us an extensive network through which care and support can be maximised and tailored.

Our Trustees
Keith Courtney
Keith Courtney
Trustee

Business owner, lead trustee, co-founder and supporter of ebft.

Having lived and worked in the area for most of his life, Keith has a strong commitment to supporting those in need, often wider than the charity albeit this is a focal point both here and in Portugal. Keith is a keen traveller and has interests in a broad range of sports, in particular, Tennis but previously, Cricket and Rugby.

Steve Downham Clarke 2
Steve Downham-Clarke
Trustee

A lifelong borough resident, Steven has had an extensive career in education working in and supporting organisations across the North of England. He has also run his own business before returning to Education where he worked in senior leadership and executive positions for over a decade.

He joined EBFT as a trustee but is now involved full time.
Steven is a keen sportsman, outdoor enthusiast, traveller and dog owner.

Travis Townsend 2
Travis Townsend
Trustee

Having grown up in Cape Town and attending the University of Cape Town, Travis had a short professional cricket career back in South Africa. He moved to England in 2014 working as a Regional Development Manager for Sale Sharks in their community department.

He joined EBFT, formerly ACT, in 2017 and became Trustee for the Charity in 2021.

Delivery Team
Jacqui Thomasson
Jacqui Thomason
Tutor

Jacqui has had a varied career working in public facing roles and has been involved with the work of the Charity from the outset supporting young people across the borough.

Moving to a full-time role in the charity in 2024 has been fulfilling and enjoyed by all our visiting children.

Stefan Biernet
Stefan Biernet
Tutor

I have been an advertising photographer for over 40 years. Worked my way up from a darkroom assistant to a senior photographer.
In 1996 I owned my own studio and employed 8 people.

I went freelance in 2005 and still am to the present day although I now work exclusively for EBFT.

Andrew Dodgson
Andrew Dodgson
Tutor

Andrew is local to the area and has been supporting the work of the Charity for the last couple of years. Following a long career running his printing business, Andrew now manages a local sports club alongside working with EBFT.

Family life , Cricket , Hill walking and the occasional ski trip are passions Andrew enjoys.

Dean Kimpton 2
Dean Kimpton
Tutor

Dean runs a sportswear company and is Part Time Teacher in a Further Education College. With over 20 years’ experience in education, Deans knowledge of teaching, learning and enrichment is a great asset to the Charity.

Deans family and his avid interest in all things sport take up his free time.

Theresa Davis
Theresa Davis
Piano

Theresa is a teacher with a master’s degree in education and experience teaching and working in community settings, schools and the charitable sector. Teaching piano from beginner to advanced level (including ABRSM exam entry) across a wide range of styles.

Theresa enjoys a range of interests including swimming, travel and charity work.

Teresa Valente
Teresa Valente
Socials & YouTube

A true Algarvian at heart, Teresa has spent the past five years putting her passion into practice – working with and supporting young teenagers – having been involved in several community projects.

She is a fan of sports, photography, and poetry.

Our Volunteers
Marion Astley
Marion Astley
Volunteer

I have had a varied career working in education administration, hospitality, food retailing and sales administration. My most recent role has been with Albany Products, where for most of the time I have been in the Accounts Department, this has led me to take up an administrative role for EBFT.

In my earlier years I enjoyed travelling with friends and solo and have loved seeing such far-flung places such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India and South Africa. Although I don’t go so far now, I still love to discover new places.

Susan Courtney
Susan Courtney
Volunteer

Susan dedicated 30+ years of her life to the NHS where she was a senior theatre sister at Oldham Royal Hospital. Having retired from the NHS in 2014, Susan decided to give some of her spare time to EBFT and became one of our much-valued volunteers.

Susan is an animal lover and enjoys baking when not looking after her grandchildren.

Anthony Courtney
Anthony Courtney
Tutor

Anthony is a local lad, having grown up in Middleton and attended Middleton Technology High School, he went on to study at OIdham Sixth Form College. While at college Anthony worked in the Retail industry for Next. After obtaining his A Levels from College, Anthony went into full-time employment for Albany Products Ltd in 2008.

Anthony has given some of his time volunteering to EBFT, formerly ACT, since it was first established.

Anthony is a sporty character, to this day he still plays competitive football, as well as social golf and seasonal high-level skiing!

Michelle Yearsley
Michelle Yearsley
Volunteer

After eleven years in the Prison service, I decided to return to education and achieved a degree in History. I currently volunteer at the Imperial War Museum, Manchester and at Elaine Baines, where I support young people through practical learning.

Personal life – I’m a proud mum of four boys who loves keeping fit, walking, tap dancing and embracing whatever life has to offer.

Anna Skinner
Anna Skinner
Art & Design Tutor

A first class Fine Art Graduate and now local Artist commissioning work across all mediums.

I also deliver in local schools using Art as a means of creating a positive learning environment to engaging hard to reach youngsters and develop skills, knowledge and behaviours to support their wider development and aspirations.

Soo Smith
Soo Smith
Volunteer

I have supported the charity for a good number of years, mainly on the experience days where our young people go to places and take part in activities they may not usually have the opportunity.

Whilst on these it is wonderful to see the personal and wider skills being developed.

Other Supporters

We couldn’t do what we do without the help of some fantastic supporters — here are just a few we’d like to thank.

  • Nigel Hunter
  • John Smith (Driver)
  • Peter Collins (Music)
  • Ben Floyd (Alumni & musician who supported our summer camp)
  • Rebecca Whittaker (Hair)
Interested in
Volunteering or work experience?

The staff are supported by our fantastic volunteers who bring their skills, experiences and give time to deliver our programme and activities.

We will also support work experience (WEX) for those interested in working in youth work, education and the third sector.

If you are interested in volunteering or WEX with us, please drop us a line via the contact us page.

Note – Volunteers will require a DBS check.
Privacy Preferences
When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. Here you can change your privacy preferences. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer.