Community Spirit Awards 2026 - Judges
Steve Duncan
Steve Duncan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC), a trustee of several local charities, and a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.
Steve joined the Foundation in 2000 and became CEO in 2004. Before that, he worked in graphic design and illustration, while also dedicating much of his spare time to organising community events and volunteering as a youth and community worker — with a particular passion for improving the life chances of young people.
Under Steve’s leadership, CFFC has played a pivotal role in supporting Calderdale through major crises. He led the Foundation’s response to several devastating flood events, most notably in 2015 and 2020, raising nearly £4 million to help affected households, charities, and businesses recover. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve and his team mobilised substantial funds to support frontline charities caring for the frail, elderly, and vulnerable. In 2022, he coordinated rapid online fundraising appeals following the fires at Ash Green Primary School and Burlees House in Hebden Bridge, ensuring swift support for those affected.
“I am a proud Yorkshireman, born in Leeds, a passionate Leeds United fan, and I love living in Calderdale. Calderdale has been my home for nearly four decades. I love its people — their warmth, generosity, and resilience — and the stunning countryside that surrounds us. I truly believe we have the best charitable organisations and charity leaders right here in little old Calderdale: resilient, innovative, resourceful, and always punching above our weight.”
Emma Worsley
Emma is part of the Voluntary & Community (VAC) Leadership Team responsible for Communications and Digital. Working in the Calderdale Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector for over a decade, Emma is passionate about promoting and championing the hard work and resilience of the VCSE Sector and its positive impact on local communities. In her spare time, Emma enjoys gardening, sewing and swimming.
Siân Rogers
Siân is the Strategic Lead – Inclusive Economy & Voluntary Sector at Calderdale Council.
“I lead Calderdale Council’s work with the voluntary and community sector, driving our Inclusive Economy Strategy in partnership with businesses, skills providers, and communities and support our partnership approach to tackling the cost of living and poverty. My teams manage key grant programmes—some of them in partnership with Community Foundation for Calderdale including Calderdale Healthy Holidays and the Community Resilience Fund—and oversee contracts for vital services like Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Services in an innovative alliance including the Council and Calderdale Cares Board, Healthwatch and advice provision. We champion volunteering, attract external funding, and lead strategic community initiatives such as asset transfers and community-led development including the hyperlocal UK Shared Prosperity programme in North and central Halifax that runs until March 20206.
I’m a passionate advocate for the power of communities and proud to be a board member of Locality, helping amplify this work nationally.”
Mike Brennan
Mike Brennan is a highly experienced commercial leader and CEO of Outdo Media, renowned for delivering innovative, results-driven advertising solutions across out of home media assets. With a proven track record of securing high-profile partnerships and driving brand growth, Mike is known for his strategic insight, client focus, and acquisition. He is committed to creating an environment where everyone thrives and supports the growth of the business, which is now the fastest-growing independent outdoor media company in the UK.
Beyond his commercial achievements, Mike has a strong track record of giving back to the community. He served as a trustee at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice for five years and supports local grass roots sporting teams, including Brighouse Town Ladies and Walsden St Peters girls’ football teams. His dedication to social impact matches his business ambition. Often found at Elland Road in a flat cap.
Andrew Hawley
Andrew trained at a well-known theatre arts school in Leeds and initially seemed set to embark on a career in film and television but now has 35 years’ experience working in the construction industry/built-environment – the last 15 years of which have focused specifically on energy and energy efficiency.
He has a group of businesses based in Brighouse that deliver national contracts focusing on energy and energy efficiency, contracting, consultancy and accounting services.
Andrew has a passion for motor racing and golf.
He is a Trustee for CFFC and took on the role of Chair of Finance in 2023.
John Needell
John was born and brought up in London. Since then, he has lived in a number of places across the UK and abroad, including Yorkshire three times. He moved to Calderdale with his wife literally during the London Olympics of 2012, and enjoys the mix of rural and urban life available here.
For about 30 years, he worked for a major multinational company in a range of commercial and operational roles, leaving there as a Regional Procurement Leader before starting his own tiny consultancy and doing voluntary work. This includes mentoring and serving as a trustee with four charities in Calderdale (HomeStart, Happydays, VAC and most recently Nest Helping the Homeless).
These days, John’s time is largely spent caring for his wife and baby son.
