Jon Niblo - CEO at NE Youth
What were your career ambitions growing up?
People who knew me in my younger years will remember that I was obsessed with football and my only focus was on becoming a professional footballer. Thankfully this was achieved however like many young lads the dream ended within four years and I was back home in the North East exploring new directions.
Tell us about your current role?
I am currently the incredibly proud CEO of Regional Youth Development Charity NE Youth. Our mission is to provide a high quality, diverse and positive youth offer in the North East through our own services and by providing our members with relevant information, advice and support.
What is your proudest business achievement?
There are many things that I have been proud of but particularly how with the huge support from our staff team and trustees how NE Youth has grown it’s reach, connectivity and improved the quality of services for Young People.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
The Youth Sector (particularly in the North East) has experienced savage cuts in public funding which has had devastating impact on locally based provision for Young People. During this period there has been a reliance and expectation on the Voluntary/Charitable Sector to provide additional services and respond to the increase in demand. I like to think that at NE Youth we have done our best to achieve this within the capacity and resources at our disposal. This however places greater importance on the development and implementation of an effective income generation strategy.
A lack of Youth Policy and direction from Central Government over this period has also made it more difficult to secure new resources to develop sustainable programmes.
On the back of Covid there have been many more challenges for young people in particular isolation, mental health and reduced opportunities for effective transition and meaningful employment.
What are you currently working on?
Spinning many plates however I am personally invested in a new and exciting piece of work across County Durham called YouthPrint. Like many Youth services across the Country Durham County Council essentially shut down their open access and universal youth work services. YouthPrint is a response to this and a programme of support to rebuild, reconnect and reenergise the Youth Sector in Durham and create a model and structure allow Youth Work to thrive across the County.
Tell us about the team you work with?
The staff team at NE Youth are amazing and under at times incredibly challenging environments continue to provide such important support for young people. The work of our front line Youth and Programmes Team receives high quality support from office based (unsung heroes) who provide effective financial and administrative support. I am extremely proud of our organisations commitment and our trustees investment in staff well-being. In our Sector we cannot always pay top dollar but what we are good at here at NE Youth is looking after our staff. The final part of our team is our incredible Board of Trustees who on a voluntary basis ensure strong governance and provide valuable insight, knowledge and support to myself and the team.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Deal with difficult issues quickly particularly if they involve people.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenges were in the earlier years in my role in terms of the improving the culture , profile and credibility of the organisation. Eventually pushing through the rebrand from Northumberland Clubs for Young People was key and the opportunity to extend our geographical reach/area of benefit beyond North of Tyne was incredibly important.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Linked to the response to question one my heroes were footballers such as Bryan Robson – an incredible captain and leader for his Country and professionally I have been very fortunate to have worked with some amazing people who I have learnt so much from.
How do you unwind outside of work?
As a season ticket holder at Newcastle United I am clearly enjoying the matches at the moment however I also place great value on family time including long walks with our two Labradors.
Favourite Book and Boxset?
Regrettably I have never been a good reader of books however I certainly enjoy a good box set with a crime element and in particular the old school stuff such as ‘A touch of Frost’.