Our Trustees
Steve Connor – Chair
A former NHS Executive Director with experience of leading a high performing and complex organisation, Steve has significant experience and expertise in Governance, Risk Management & Audit, and extensive knowledge of working at Board level with a wide range of public and 3rd sector organisations.
A qualified accountant with an MBA, Steve is also a member of various national committees and forums and is Non-Executive Director at Wirral Community Health & Care NHS FT.
Steve has been a St Helens resident all his life and is passionate about the work of Citizens Advice and the impact it has on those that most need it.
Sheila Lynch – Trustee
Sheila retired early in 2014, following a long career in senior finance and performance roles in the NHS in Merseyside. Born and bred in St Helens, Sheila joined Citizens Advice St Helens as a volunteer Trustee in October 2014 to support her local town and its residents. Sheila was the Chair of the Trustee Board from 2019 to 2024.
When not contributing to the work of Citizens Advice Sheila can often be found out walking with her Grandchildren and dog in and around the borough.
John Curran – Trustee (HR Chair)
Recently retired after 34 years in HMRC, previously worked for KMBC housing department followed by almost 4 years working in Germany before returning to the UK. During this time I had responsibility for many ‘specialist’ taxes, most recently Financial Institutions, Non-UK Entertainers visiting the UK, Non Resident companies and landlords, Non Domiciled Individuals and Charity Fraud. I initially started my career looking after PAYE payrolls.
During my career I have worked in various sites, Liverpool, Salford, London, Croydon and Leeds. Managing staff remotely, with responsibility for almost 200 staff and direct line management for up to 20 tax specialists.
I had initially planned to retire in 2020, but was ‘convinced’ to stay on to see through a project of centralisation of HMRC offices and assist treasury initiatives during the pandemic. This ‘delay’ gave me an opportunity to plan what I would do when I retired. Outside work, I am married, one son and a granddaughter, currently living in Rainford. Hobbies are many, I enjoy going to concerts and live music, City Break holidays, a keen walker and an active member of Liverpool canoe club.
Pat ffrench – Vice Chair
A former Assistant Principal in a College of Further and Higher Education and a Community Education Manager in a Local Authority, Pat’s focus has always been on working with and supporting the local community. Since retiring, Pat has maintained this focus through her work as a Trustee with two community-based charities in Warrington – The Warrington Disability Partnership and The Warrington Wolves Foundation.
Born and bred in St Helens, Pat is honoured to take on the role of Trustee with Citizens Advice St Helens and looks forward to helping to ensure we achieve our vision for the St Helens Community – “Everyone will be able to access advice to find a way forward”.
Wayne Longshaw – Trustee
Born in Stoke on Trent, Wayne’s early career was centred around the Pottery Industry, firstly as a Laboratory Assistant and latterly as a Work-study Engineer for Royal Doulton. Wayne moved into the public sector spending over 20 years in local government, becoming an Assistant Chief Executive (Director of Strategy). He spent some time as an interim leader, gaining a number of assignments in the NHS before securing a permanent role ten years ago, and has been with the Trust for the past 8 years. His role in the Trust focuses on the following:
- Principal partnership lead for the Trust for:
- our five local boroughs
- neighbouring trusts
- Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board
- Executive lead for Health Inequalities and Population Health programmes with partners.
- Lead for Anchor Institution, prevention pledge and social value programmes.
- Co-ordination of St Helens Cares strategic plan and partnership development.
- Lead for St Helens Cares integration programme and related projects.
Wayne has two adult children and in his spare time competes at endurance events, he loves all forms of cultural activities, travels widely and often combining all three passions.
Miguel Doforo – Trustee
Miguel Doforo, a trustee of The Black-E in Liverpool, is a prominent advocate in community and cultural spaces, building on his work with MD Productions and See You See Me. He also serves as a trustee at St Helens Citizens Advice, supporting equitable access to essential services. As a founding member of St Helens Pride, Miguel champions LGBTQ rights and visibility. In Knowsley, he directs KCC Live, a youth-led community radio station that amplifies diverse voices. His dedication to equity shines through his role on the Liverpool City Region Combined Authorities’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Panels, where he focuses on LGBTQ issues, and in his contributions to the Liverpool Museum LGBTQ Strategy Group, promoting representation in cultural narratives. With a strong commitment to education, Miguel actively participates in the Educators Round Table, advocating for Black history inclusion in schools. Additionally, he contributes to the local arts landscape through his work with the St Helens Arts Strategy Group.
John Jackson – Treasurer
If you would like to enquire about becoming a trustee of our organisation, you can contact our Chief Officer to discuss:
Tel. 01744 733270 – chief.officer@casthelens.org.uk
You can also see our webpage ‘Becoming a trustee’ for more information: Become a Trustee – Citizens Advice St Helens (sthelenscab.org.uk)