Board Profile – Paul Butcher

Current board term AGM 2021 – AGM 2023​

Candidate statement AGM 2021:

“I have been a member and season ticket holder of FC United from the outset. A huge amount has been achieved by the club during this time and I am seeking a Board position as I want to play an active role in driving the clubs new 5 year vision and emerging committee structure. I’m certain that a high performing board will show the football world that supporter led ownership has a vital role in improving governance, ensuring FC is successful in line with the club’s founding principles.

Over the past three years, I’ve been a member of SRC which helped secure the ongoing viability of the club during a very difficult financial period. The importance of good relationships and effective oversight of all aspects of the club cannot be underestimated and I would support both the board and the new committee structure in ensuring that we work as one club delivering value and benefit to the communities of North Manchester.

I have also been a volunteer with the food hub and have more recently been working with Warren Heppolette and others on appraising its future operation.

I was previously on the board for a 6 month period 5 years ago and I am aware of both the demands and new challenges that do arise. I’m now in the fortunate position of being retired and have time knowledge and previous board level experience to support the club.

In my working life I was a Director on a metropolitan council with corporate responsibility for all aspects of council and NHS-related services and therefore have extensive experience of board level decision making in relation to human resources, financial and risk management and good governance. The job entailed setting local strategic direction for health, working in partnership with senior figures across the public, community and private sector and ensuring cost-effective use of public resources.

One of the most crucial aspects of any effective board is to have the right balance of support and challenge. These contrasting behaviours are vital to good governance and the effective discharge of duties. Many organisations fail when they do not listen to voices which come from beyond the appointed leadership. This is one of the enduring lessons we should take from our past and if given a mandate I’ll strive to ensure key decisions and plans are subjected to critical analysis and thinking by the board and members.”

If you would like to contact Paul, please email paul.butcher@fc-utd.uk