Our Board

 We’re grateful for the support and guidance from our Board.

  • Berni Ashworth

    VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

    Having worked in Special Education settings since 2003, Berni has a passion for inclusion, supporting children, young people and adults, both in education settings and in the community. As a member of the TramShed Volunteer Team, she enjoys the variety each age group brings. She is a keen runner, sometimes combining this with fundraising. Berni also enjoys crafts in many forms including jewellery making, sewing and glass blowing. Berni says “I am looking forward to serving on the Trustee Board to further promote and develop inclusive theatre at it’s best, and to be the link between members and the board.”

  • Leanne Hackett

    BOARD MEMBER

    Leanne has worked in Product Management for the last 12 years, most recently for pharmacy technology supplier Cegedim Rx and specialises in market research, customer discovery and product marketing. Leanne has been actively involved with TramShed for more than 7 years now, becoming a trustee in November 2016. Alongside her Trustee responsibilities, Leanne also supports our front of house team throughout show week. Leanne says, “Although my field of work is obviously very different, product management principles are relevant in almost every industry and I love taking on something completely removed from my day job. It’s a privilege to be involved with such an inspirational organisation which is driven forward by an incredibly dedicated team of Arts Practitioners and Volunteers, I hope I can help make a difference.”

  • Paul Parkes

    CHAIR OF THE BOARD

    Paul has worked in safeguarding roles for over a decade and hopes to bring his skills and knowledge to the role at TramShed. Paul runs on a regular basis and volunteers as a guide runner for visually impaired runners. He is keen to give something back to the community he has lived and worked in for the past 20 years, and is passionate about the inclusivity that TramShed provides. Paul says, “As a new Dad, I want to be involved with TramShed because I think it is important that organisations like this continue to thrive in a world my daughter will grow up in”.

  • Jack Taylor

    BOARD MEMBER

    Jack was no stranger to TramShed upon joining the board, having joined as a member in 2010. By the time he left in 2017, a love and passion for inclusive theatre was deeply ingrained in him. He carried and applied this passion throughout his time at Lancaster University, earning a degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance in 2020 and in his current role working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs. Jack says "TramShed helped to shape so much of not just how I work as an actor, but who I am as a person, I'm so proud to have the opportunity to give something back to an organisation that gave so much to me".