In every sector, there are individuals whose impact extends far beyond their job title. We have the privilege of meeting people who not only excel professionally but also make a meaningful difference within their communities.

In this feature, we are delighted to speak to Jayne Dunford, Office Manager and Senior PA at LDC, whose career spans more than 25 years within the private equity sector. Recently recognised as Changemaker of the Year at the Yorkshire Rainmakers Awards, she has built a reputation not only for her professional expertise but also for her outstanding commitment to charitable causes and community impact on behalf of the business.

Our conversation explores not only her award-winning charitable work and impressive career journey, but also the evolving role of Personal and Executive Assistants within modern businesses. As a respected figure within the local PA and EA community, Jayne has become a strong advocate and influencer for the profession, championing the value and impact these roles bring to businesses across the region.

First of all, congratulations on winning Changemaker of the Year. For people who may not know the award, how would you describe what it recognises and why it matters?  

Thank you - I was absolutely delighted to be nominated, and winning was a complete surprise.

While nominees will have been recognised for a range of contributions, for me the award reflects the work I do outside my core role. It acknowledges the coordination of our charitable initiatives across the region, the relationships we build with local charities, and the way we use our societal commitments budget to support  through fundraising, sponsorship, donations and volunteering.

It also means a great deal to be recognised as an Office Manager/PA. We are often the backbone of a team, working behind the scenes, so it’s wonderful to see the impact of that work highlighted.

What did it mean to you personally to receive the award, especially given the contribution it recognises over such a long period of time?

It’s genuinely lovely to have my contribution recognised, although I do feel I should be sharing this with my colleague Gemma. We work very closely together to support the wider Leeds team, often quietly ensuring everything runs smoothly, policies are followed and that our colleagues have what they need, when they need it.

I’ve been at LDC for almost half my life, and while the business has evolved significantly over the years, one thing has remained constant: the strength of our team and the camaraderie we share. That’s what makes this recognition so meaningful.

When you look back over your 25 years with LDC, are there any moments, relationships or initiatives that you feel particularly proud of?

26 now - and there are far too many highlights to count. I’ve made lifelong friends, including some I met in my very first year and I still see regularly.

Meeting John Swarbrick during my interview is a standout memory; we clicked immediately, and he offered me the job. After a week’s handover with his outgoing PA, the rest is history. I also remember Dan Smith joining the Leeds team on secondment from KPMG - I knew instantly he was a keeper. His work ethic is unrivalled.

I’m also incredibly proud of the network I’ve built within the market. What began as coffees and lunches has grown into a supportive community, and I’m delighted to now organise events and trips - our annual ladies’ day at the races is always a highlight and some of those PAs are among my closest friends.

LDC has supported organisations including Smart Works, Candlelighters, Maggie’s and Martin House Children’s Hospice. Are there any particular campaigns, events or charity relationships that stand out for you?

Candlelighters has always been a special place for me. Their team is exceptional, and the work they do is truly inspiring. The Christmas party is magical - Dan and I attend each year and sponsor the Lucky Dip stall. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces, and witnessing firsthand how donations are used, is incredibly rewarding.

We are also proud partners of Martin House and are supporting them again this year through our Charity Quiz. Their Big Build project, which has transformed and expanded their facilities, is remarkable, and their standard of care is outstanding.

Smart Works’ move into their new premises has enabled them to support even more women returning to work, and their service offering is exceptional. We were also early supporters of Maggie’s during the centre’s initial build, and it has been wonderful to see it come to life. The centre provides a warm, calm space for anyone affected by cancer, offering counselling, financial guidance and a place simply to breathe.

PAs, EAs and office managers are critical to every business, but their impact is not always as visible as it should be. Why has it been so important to you to bring together a PA network across the corporate finance community, and what have the benefits been?

Someone recently described us as the “heartbeat” of the team - I’ve always said “backbone”, but I think heartbeat is even better. A good PA anticipates what their team needs before they know it themselves - we support, we organise and we advise.

Creating a PA network has been important to me since returning from maternity leave in 2005. Knowing there are others in similar roles, facing similar challenges, is invaluable. We share knowledge, experience and support, and it makes day to day collaboration so much easier.

It’s far simpler to pick up the phone to rearrange a meeting at the last minute when you’ve met the person, shared a drink, and know they understand exactly how stressful those moments can be. While hybrid working has changed the dynamic slightly, we still make every effort to stay connected.

LDC Yorkshire had a brilliant night at the Rainmakers Awards, also winning Private Equity Team of the Year and Large Deal of the Year. From your perspective, what makes the Yorkshire team and wider deals community so special?

The Yorkshire team are exceptional. Every individual brings an enormous amount of dedication and pride to their work, and that collective effort is what underpins our success. We are a team of genuine grafters - people who roll up their sleeves, support one another and stay focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for the businesses and management teams we back.

What makes the Yorkshire deals community so special is the spirit of collaboration that runs through it. There is a real sense of mutual respect across advisers, investors, lawyers, banks and management teams. People here value long term relationships, and that creates an environment where conversations are open, challenges are shared and successes are celebrated together. It’s a community built on trust, integrity and a willingness to help each other succeed.

From my perspective, the camaraderie is what sets Yorkshire apart. Whether it’s working through the complexities of a deal, pulling together for a charity initiative or celebrating achievements at events like the Rainmakers Awards (link to the website), there is a genuine feeling of being part of something bigger than your own organisation.

Winning Private Equity Team of the Year and Large Deal of the Year was a wonderful moment because it reflected not only the hard work of our team, but also the strength of the partnerships we’ve built across the region. It’s a privilege to work alongside people who care so deeply about what they do and who consistently go above and beyond.

Finally, after such well-deserved recognition, what would you like to keep building or contributing to over the next few years?

It will be hard to top this moment, but there is still so much I’d like to continue building.

We are fortunate to have strong support from our parent company Lloyds Banking Group, and whilst fundraising is important, visibility and awareness are equally valuable to our charity partners. I’d love to see our team doing more volunteering together, and we’re actively looking for new projects to get involved in.

Our Charity Quiz night is fully booked for this year - the fastest it has ever filled, and with 33 teams taking part, will be our biggest yet. Moving to a larger venue last year allowed us to add further tables for the event and raise even more money, and my goal is to make it bigger and better each year.