Meet the trustees: Carole O'Neill
Carole O'Neill is a trustee with SYCF.
She trained as a nurse in Doncaster and worked as a Ward Sister in the Accident & Emergency department for many years.
She began work as a Magistrate in 1991 and served in the Judiciary for 28 years before retiring. In 2020, Carole was appointed as the first ever female High Sheriff in South Yorkshire from Doncaster.
She lives in Bawtry, Doncaster.
Tell us how you got to where you are today?
I began my career training at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI), where I was proud to become the youngest nursing sister and went onto be appointed a sister in A&E. After that, I spent a year with British Coal, during which I completed a degree in occupational health.
I returned to DRI and later moved on to work with both Nottingham and Sheffield Health Authorities, where I helped establish occupational health services in each area.
In 1991, I became a magistrate. A major part of that role involved helping to digitise the justice system in South Yorkshire and leading the unification of the region’s benches - bringing together magistrates from Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield.
Alongside that, I served as Chair of HMP Doncaster. Over the years, I have held a variety of roles, all united by a common thread: helping people. But my deepest passion has always been working in A&E - the fast pace, the urgency of decision-making and above all, the opportunity to make a real difference. That desire to help has always been a core part of who I am.
What inspired you to join the Foundation?
I first encountered the Foundation in 2021 during my time as High Sheriff of South Yorkshire. I was genuinely amazed to discover this incredible organisation working so quietly and effectively across the region. I couldn’t believe more people didn’t know about it!
Once I learned more about SYCF, I knew I wanted to be part of it. With my background in nursing, the prison system and the magistracy, I’ve developed strong communication, organisational and analytical skills — all of which are very transferable to my role as a trustee. It felt like a perfect fit.
What does your role involve?
It’s an incredibly varied role - no two weeks or months are the same! I serve as Chair of the Grants Panel Committee (GPC) and also sit on several other groups, including the Future Funds Committee and the Executive.
Right now, I’m particularly excited to be supporting the Foundation with its upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations in 2026 - a wonderful milestone. I’m also supporting the team as we prepare to implement our new Salesforce system, which will significantly streamline the grant-making process.
As Chair of the Grants Panel, I’m especially focused on ensuring we deliver value for money to donors, while also meeting the urgent and varied needs of community groups. It’s never easy deciding where funds should go - you want to help them all - but our Vital Signs research is a huge help in guiding investment where it’s needed most.
What I love most is the way we work together as a team: having open discussions, sharing ideas and coming up with innovations that empower local people through knowledge and support.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role as a trustee?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part is seeing the real-life impact of our work. There’s nothing better than visiting a community group, hearing their stories and seeing the difference our funding has made.
There are so many unsung heroes across South Yorkshire - volunteers and carers who give so much of themselves - and it’s truly humbling to be able to support their work. Many of these groups simply wouldn’t exist without that support.
What is your favourite thing about South Yorkshire?
The people. I love how we pull together to get things done and support one another. There’s a real sense of community spirit here.
I also love our green spaces. Golf is one of my favourite pastimes, and the Doncaster course is just beautiful - especially on a sunny day!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As I mentioned, I’m an avid golfer - it’s great for the body and mind. I also love to travel. I’ve enjoyed many wonderful trips to Florida, but I have a real soft spot for holidaying in the UK. North Yorkshire and Northumberland are particular favourites.
And of course, my granddaughter keeps me very busy! She’s 12 going on 20 – she is full of energy, personality and fun. I love spending time with her.