Team

Carole deals with our education programme which involves liaising with schools, colleges and industry to help establish and improve links between education and industry. Carole also leads on the development of the icanbea... website. If you would like further information please contact Carole on 01379 650041 or via email carole.opie-baker@themasontrust.org

Shae completed her Bachelor’s degree at Norwich University of the Arts before joining us as our Web and Social Media Assistant. She works alongside Carole and Rich supporting the development of our ‘icanbea…’ website. She is responsible for managing and posting to all of our social media platforms and ensuring our followers are kept up to date on our latest activities. Shae is a film fanatic, who loves going to the cinema with her friends and baking anything involving chocolate in her spare time. You can reach Shae at shae.walsh@themasontrust.org and on 01379 658379

Jon’s background includes 15 years in colleges and schools, working with students from 5 years of age to Adult Learners, helping them to turn their ideas into real outputs through various artistic projects. His experience of helping learners to grow their confidence and skills step by step makes him a great fit for our Digital Youth Hub project, which supports young people through an employability plan in partnership with Jobcentre Plus. Contact: jonathan.cox@themasontrust.org

Maria works with Jon on our Digital Youth Hub project. She brings seven years worth of education sector expertise including school governor experience to this mentoring role for young job seekers. Her additional skills include those honed whilst working for a consulting company in Barcelona and she's currently in her fourth year of a BA (Hons) in Spanish! Maria has three football-loving sons who are all at high school. Contact: maria.chamberlain@themasontrust.org

Rich has a wealth of experience in website management, systems scoping and content creation. He works alongside Carole and Shae supporting the development of our 'icanbea...' website and our Education Programme. Rich has an interest in vintage computing and retro gaming and can often be found pulling computers to bits, though not so much in the office. You can get hold of Rich on 01379 658369 or via richard.finn@themasontrust.org

Norfolk born Yvonne Mason has 20+ years experience in the marine industry. She sold her former company in 2005 and decided to set up The Mason Trust with the mission of inspiring young people to fulfil their potential. Although Yvonne left school with a few qualifications she now realises the benefits of studying maths, geography and languages and how much they can help you in your future career. Yvonne was awarded an OBE in 2020 in recognition of the charity’s dedication to inspiring and empowering young people in our region. She has recently established a number of new businesses within the marine/energy sector as well.

Sam has over 20 years of experience as a youth worker within both the voluntary and statutory sectors, and currently runs a successful community interest company - a social enterprise supporting Youth Workers. Sam enjoys working with young people, and has a First Class Honours Degree in Informal Education and holds a DipHE in Youth and Community Work. Away from work, Sam loves to travel, as well as spend time with friends, family and a mad spaniel called Woody.

Rob is Norfolk born and bred. He is a qualified Youth Worker and works part time with a number of youth groups. Rob owns and runs a successful business in Diss.

Nicola has worked for Yvonne since 2000 and was an integral part of setting up and developing The Mason Trust from its inception in 2008. Nicola is HR & Corporate Compliance Director at Future Marine Services and was appointed to The Mason Trust Board of Trustees in March 2015. Outside work Nicola has a keen interest in school governance, having previously been Chair of Governors at her local primary school for 10 years and is currently Vice Chair of Governors at University Technical College Norfolk, holding Future Marine Services’ employer sponsor seat on the Board.

Sarah is the Trust's Accountant and has worked with Yvonne for a number of years. Sarah is responsible for the financial aspects of the Trust including the collation and production of Annual Reports. Sarah was appointed to The Mason Trust Board of Trustees in March 2015.