The SPFL Trust has announced the appointment of finance and governance leader Charles Barnett as its new chair, as the charity continues to expand its impact across communities in Scotland through the power of football.
Experienced non-exec director Charles takes over from Bernadette Malone, who steps down after five years as chair. During her tenure, the Trust strengthened its national reach, deepened partnerships across the game and supported thousands of people through programmes focused on health, education and inclusion.
Charles has served as treasurer of the SPFL Trust for the past 9 years and brings extensive financial, governance and leadership experience to the role.
He enjoyed a successful career as a partner at PKF and later BDO, where football was a key sector specialism, advising more than a dozen UK clubs alongside a wide range of growing businesses. He also previously worked as interim financial officer at Celtic football club in the 1990s. He now works as a business consultant and non-executive director, supporting organisations through strategic development, change and growth, and currently serves on the boards of several UK companies, including the SPFL Trust.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Trust as it delivers its ambitious five-year plan, which aims to support 50 per cent more people than ever before and expand its work with young people and football-related trusts across Scotland.
Charles Barnett, SPFL Trust Chair, said: “This is a pivotal time for the SPFL Trust as we look to strengthen our work with associated community trusts (ATCs) and clubs across Scotland to support even more people and communities through the power of football.
“The SPFL Trust is a force for good and I’ve loved my time as Treasurer at the charity, getting the chance to witness all the great work carried throughout the country and the aim is to play my part in continuing the impressive progress of recent years.
“I’d like to thank Bernadette for her outstanding leadership and commitment over the past five years. She leaves the SPFL Trust in a strong position, with clear momentum and a solid foundation to build on.”
Nicky Reid, Chief Executive of the SPFL Trust, said: “I’m extremely pleased to welcome Charles as chair at such an important point in the Trust’s journey. Having worked closely with him in his role as treasurer, I know he brings a deep understanding of our mission, strong governance experience and a genuine commitment to using football as a force for good.
“I’d also like to thank Bernadette for her leadership and support over the past five years. As we move into the next phase of our five-year plan, Charles’s insight and guidance will be invaluable as we work with trusts, clubs and partners to reach more people and create lasting impact in communities across Scotland.”
His appointment comes after the SPFL Trust recently established a new community partnership with the SPFL and SWPL to grow its impact and visibility throughout Scotland.
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Neil Doncaster, SPFL Group Chief Executive, said: “The SPFL Trust has made tremendous strides in supporting communities and delivering programmes that create real impact That progress has been supported by a closer partnership between the SPFL Trust, SPFL and SWPL, allowing us to align our efforts and enhance the positive difference football can make.
“Charles brings extensive experience, strong governance and a clear understanding of the game, and I very much look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build on this partnership and supporting the Trust in the months and years ahead.”
