Meet our team: Andy Kershaw
A familiar face to many across South Yorkshire, award-winning journalist Andy Kershaw spent nearly two decades as a broadcaster with BBC Radio Sheffield before moving into the charity and funding sector.
Today, he leads SYFAB’s training programme, supporting community and voluntary groups to develop their skills and secure the funding they need to thrive.
Originally from Sheffield, Andy also spent eight years living and working in South Wales. He now lives in Meersbrook with his wife Carol, a retired social worker, and their Cockapoo, Jett. They have three grown-up sons.
Tell us a little about your career journey so far. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career with Barnsley Council, firstly as a senior welfare rights officer and then as the Acorn Centre general manager in Grimethorpe. I spent nearly 14 years at the council before becoming the Community Action desk producer for BBC Radio Sheffield working in partnership with community service volunteers to manage and broadcast daily features on volunteering education and social action projects across South Yorkshire.
I then became a broadcast journalist with the BBC, operating as a general news reporter across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and I was also the key breakfast show reporter out about in the BBC Radio car handling breaking news stories and other key features relating to the political social and economic life of the region.
After leaving the BBC in 2022, I brought my skills and passion for the voluntary sector to SYFAB. I now manage our training programme while continuing my wider work as a charity and funding consultant. I also serve as Media Officer for Sheffield Home of Football CIO, I’m active in my local park’s Friends group and I’m a trustee of Friends of Portland Works.
What inspired you to join the Foundation?
I’ve always been closely connected to the voluntary and community sector through my work as a trustee with several local groups. Funding is often the lifeblood of these organisations, so joining SYFAB felt like a natural next step and a chance to use my experience to support fundraisers and help more brilliant projects come to life.
In a nutshell, what does your role involve, and what does a typical day look like for you?
My role focuses on helping community and voluntary organisations build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to secure funding. I design and deliver training, support groups through the funding process, and help them develop the tools to improve the lives of people in their communities. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people grow in confidence. Watching them realise they can secure funding and then hearing their success stories. Knowing that our training helps groups deliver activities, events and projects that make a real difference is incredibly fulfilling.
What’s been the highlight so far?
A standout highlight has been delivering training that leads directly to success. Hearing from groups who’ve applied what they learned, secured funding and are now running projects they once thought weren’t possible is just wonderful. Those moments make me hugely proud.
What do you love most about South Yorkshire? Any favourite places, people or hidden gems?
Without doubt, it’s the extraordinary volunteer spirit. Across South Yorkshire, countless small groups work tirelessly to support vulnerable and marginalised people. Their dedication and passion are truly inspiring. They are the heartbeat of our communities.
And finally… how do you like to spend your time when you’re not at work?
Outside of work, I love getting out on my touring bike or heading for a swim which are my two big passions. I also enjoy travelling and, above all, spending quality time with family and friends whenever I can.