SPFL Trust appoints Charles Barnett as new chair

The SPFL Trust has appointed a former BDO and PKF partner for its new chair. Charles Barnett has served as a treasurer for the group over the last decade.

Barnett commented, “This is a pivotal time for the SPFL Trust as we look to strengthen our work with associated community trusts (ATCs) and clubs across Scotland to support even more people and communities through the power of football. The SPFL Trust is a force for good and I’ve loved my time as Treasurer at the charity, getting the chance to witness all the great work carried throughout the country and the aim is to play my part in continuing the impressive progress of recent years.”

The SPFL Trust is an independent Scottish registered charity that works with all 42 football clubs in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), and assorted clubs in the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) to improve lives across Scotland. Since its launch more than 15 years ago, it has worked to promote community health, well-being, and education.

In late 2025, it announced a further collaboration with the SPFL and SWPL to benefit from enhanced visibility and promotional opportunities across some of Scottish football’s biggest stages including representation at flagship events such as the Sky Sports Cup, Premier Sports Cup, and KDM Evolution Trophy, as well as involvement in other major fixtures in the football calendar. At the same time, it announced an ambitious five-year plan, which aims to support 50% more people than ever before and expand its work with young people and football-related trusts across Scotland.

Helping to implement that plan will be Barnett, an experienced non-executive director who has served as treasurer of the SPFL Trust for the past 9 years and brings extensive financial, governance and leadership experience to the role.

Barnett also enjoyed a successful career as a partner at PKF and later BDO, where football was a key sector specialism, advising more than a dozen UK clubs alongside a wide range of growing businesses. He also previously worked as interim financial officer at Celtic football club in the 1990s.  He now works as a business consultant and non-executive director, supporting organisations through strategic development, change and growth, and currently serves on the boards of several UK companies, including the SPFL Trust.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Group CEO, said, “The SPFL Trust has made tremendous strides in supporting communities and delivering programmes that create real impact . That progress has been supported by a closer partnership between the SPFL Trust, SPFL and SWPL, allowing us to align our efforts and enhance the positive difference football can make. Charles brings extensive experience, strong governance and a clear understanding of the game, and I very much look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build on this partnership and supporting the Trust in the months and years ahead.”

Barnett takes over from Bernadette Malone, who steps down after five years as chair. During her tenure, the Trust strengthened its national reach, deepened partnerships across the game and supported thousands of people through programmes focused on health, education and inclusion.

He added, “I’d like to thank Bernadette for her outstanding leadership and commitment over the past five years. She leaves the SPFL Trust in a strong position, with clear momentum and a solid foundation to build on.”