Dr Jude Threlfall-Sykes, PhD has been appointed as Shaw Trust’s first Chief Data and Technology Officer.

Jude joined Shaw Trust in November 2024 as Director of Technology, where she has led improvements to digital infrastructure and systems across the organisation. She brings a breadth of experience from across the sector, having previously worked at organisations including the charity Change Grow Live and the NHS.

Her appointment to this newly created Chief Officer role reflects the critical importance of data and technology in delivering services of the highest standards.

This comes at a pivotal time. Over the past year Shaw Trust has been awarded several new contracts to help ‘get Britain working’, including devolved Connect to Work services across West London, Sheffield, Essex, Black Country, Great Yarmouth, and Hampshire. These services integrate work and health support. As we continue to operate at scale, strong systems and high-quality data are essential to ensure services are delivered effectively and impact is clearly demonstrated.

We’ve also made commitments to expand the Foundation’s innovation and impact agenda. This includes investing £2m in tackling the youth unemployment crisis.

The Chief Data and Technology Officer role will focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, improving how data is collected and used to inform decisions, and ensuring technology supports colleagues to deliver person-centred services.

Commenting on her new role Jude Threlfall-Sykes said:

“Shaw Trust’s vision of combining a charitable heart with a commercial brain to deliver innovative and impactful programmes resonates deeply with my professional values. I’m proud to have grown with this organisation and excited to take on this new challenge.

Technology and data should serve people – helping colleagues work more effectively and making sure we fully support people to make a difference to their own lives. I’m committed to ensuring our systems and digital tools genuinely support our mission and put people at the heart of what we do.”

Chris Luck, Group Chief Executive Officer said:

“Jude has consistently shown exceptional leadership and expertise during her time with Shaw Trust. As we scale our operations, data and technology underpin everything we do, from frontline delivery to strategic decision-making. Jude brings the vision and capability we need to build systems that truly serve our mission.”