Shirley
Jackson.

Leading the organisation

Shirley Jackson is the Founder and Managing Director of Youth Unity. With a background of over 25 years in corporate finance, and vast experience in project management, marketing and branding, she leads the organisation’s full operational delivery, from scoping need, designing programmes and securing strategic partners, to managing project budgets, risk, compliance, monitoring and evaluation.

Shirley also oversees all back-end operations for Youth Unity, including financial planning, operational systems, marketing materials, digital communications and internal workflows that keep the organisation running smoothly.

Hands-on with delivery

Beyond strategic leadership, Shirley project-manages a number of Youth Unity’s enrichment and community programmes, coordinating delivery teams, ensuring safe practice and maintaining a strong focus on quality, inclusion and impact. Clear KPIs, transparent reporting and effective systems form the backbone of her approach, ensuring every project is accountable and genuinely serves the needs of young people.

Where it began

Shirley’s journey began through creative community platforms, from running successful online radio stations to producing large-scale community events that gave people a space to be heard. These early experiences shaped her passion for building positive, empowering environments.

Lived experience

As a single parent of two (now grown) and someone who has lived experience of domestic abuse, Shirley brings deep empathy and authenticity to her work. She is a strong advocate for young people and families facing adversity, understanding first-hand the pressures that instability, trauma and social challenges can create. This drives her commitment to building services that are practical, accessible and rooted in dignity and respect.

Brand & creative

Shirley also leads Youth Unity’s brand and creative strategy, ensuring the organisation communicates with clarity, honesty and pride in the communities it serves.