Shane Ward

Chief Executive

Joined February 1995

Born in England Shane sees himself as African in origin. His parents came to England from the Caribbean island of Nevis in the 1950’s. Shane is a father of two and lives in Birmingham. His early working life saw him  work in the areas of youth and community work before completing a degree in Social Science and Administration from the University of London Goldsmith’s College in 1989.

After Shane spent 5 years as a health promotion officer during which time he completed a Msc in Health Promotion and has worked in Sandwell since 1990 initially as a health promotion officer with Sandwell Health Authority before joining WBACRC in 1995.

His role centres around day to day management of the organisation’s staff and resources, fund raising, contract negotiation, supporting the board in decision making and championing the needs of the community and representing the organisation and the voluntary sector. In 2001 Shane completed a post graduate diploma in management studies.

He is the treasurer and chief fundraiser for Sandwell Young African Caribbean Achievement Event and is the chair and founder member of Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (Kuumba). He was a junior county cricketer and played semi professional football. He is also an FA level 2 Football Coach and in his spare time he coaches junior football.

Shane is committed to ensuring that older people get services that you would be happy to recommend to your family.

His claim to fame is that he has seen Pele play live and met both Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela.