Frances is currently Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. Her career has spanned public, private and third sectors and between 2003 and 2012 she was Chair of The Waterways Trust.
A graduate of Manchester University and chartered accountant for 38 years, Frances worked for KPMG before becoming Director of Finance and then Chief Executive of Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. Whilst with the Council she led negotiations on the local authority side for the restoration of the Rochdale Canal.
For three years from 2000, Frances was Chief Executive of Manchester 2002 – the company responsible for organising the successful Manchester Commonwealth Games.
Subsequently she held the post of Managing Director for Local Government, Housing and Criminal Justice at the Audit Commission with responsibility for the Commission's audit and inspection work in relation to local government in England.
After leaving the Audit Commission, Frances was interim Director General of the Royal British Legion before taking up her current role.
Frances, a regular holiday boater, is married with two grown up sons and lives in Cheshire.
Frances said: “It is a huge privilege to have been appointed as a Trustee. I'm fortunate enough to have been involved with the waterways for a number of years, in both professional and personal capacities, and experience the enormous passion people have for the nation's canals and rivers. It's exciting times for the Trust, and all who care for the waterways.”
Tony Hales, Chair of the Trust, said: “I'm delighted we've appointed Frances, her expertise and experience across a number of sectors make her an outstanding addition. As a former chair of the Waterways Trust, Frances has a great understanding and enthusiasm for the waterways, and as we aim to get more young people involved with the canals in the coming years, her role with the Youth Justice Board will be invaluable.
The ten Trustees of the Canal & River Trust are legally responsible for ensuring that the Trust works towards its charitable objectives. Trustees are unpaid and take collective decisions on policy and overarching strategy.
