Faces behind the Foundation: Melinda Schofield

23rd May 2024 Melinda Schofield

Melinda Schofield joined SYCF as a trustee in March 2024. She has more than 20 years’ experience working in the media industry, having previously held senior positions at Sheffield Newspapers and Sheffield International Venues.

She is now Regional Sales Director Yorkshire at Bauer Media Group, which creates and delivers print, online and audio content to millions of people across Europe.

Before her current role, Melinda was Sales Director for Hallam FM and played a key role in the station’s rise to number one for both the breakfast show and the drive time show based on weekly listener figures.

As well as being an honorary member of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Council, Melinda is also a trustee for the charity 'Cash for Kids', Sheffield 1000 and Weston Park Cancer Charity,

She lives in Sheffield with her Husband Marcus and her two children Declan and Patience.

Having trained for a career in hospitality in my late teens, I changed direction and after a brief period in recruitment, found my passion in advertising at Sheffield Newspapers. After 12 successful years there, I was offered an opportunity to join Sheffield International Venues (SIV) and a chance to move from the private sector into the public sector to help develop and grow some of the city's most iconic facilities such as the Sheffield Arena and the English Institute of Sport. After a successful period with SIV, I was again approached and offered an opportunity to jump back into the private sector and the world of advertising once again with Hallam FM, and now my role sees me overseeing operations for Yorkshire through Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio. And its national brands.

I was inspired to join SYCF earlier this year after having conversations with vice-chair, Alex Petiffer MBE. I was amazed by the magnificent work the charity does, almost under the radar, and it was that huge potential which made me want to become a trustee.

In my role as a trustee, I form part of the Future Funds Committee. I’m passionate about guiding and supporting the Community Foundation to deliver its objectives and reinforce its purpose. I’m incredibly proud to be an ambassador for this organisation which does amazing work across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

The most rewarding part of the role has to be seeing the impact the contributions can make for both the people running the charities we support and of course the people who directly benefit from what that foundation offers. SYCF is the biggest grant giving charity in South Yorkshire and as we approach our 40th year, it’s remarkable to be able to say we have awarded nearly £40m in funds to worthy causes. This charitable funding for community groups is vital in transforming lives and making a positive difference in South Yorkshire.

Even though I’m only a few months into the role, already I feel a great sense of pride in being part of such a hardworking team which really does go above and beyond to make a positive difference.

I feel so lucky to live and work in South Yorkshire. I love the fact you can be in the heart of a bustling city one minute and the wide-open space of the countryside the next. Our region is blessed with some amazing places and people.

With work and a busy life, I don’t have much spare time but when I do get away from the office and other commitments, it is all about my family, whether that is going out for lunch, going to the cinema, or simply spending time at home.