Our People

As a member of the Greenhill YMCA team, I find myself wearing many hats, which keeps each day feeling refreshingly different. From supporting volunteer recruitment to managing our bookings, I’m deeply involved in various aspects of our operations.

But what truly drives me is my passion for promoting Global Youth Work and building strong community partnerships. I also champion the value of outdoor learning and its profound impact on young minds. Whether I’m connecting with like-minded individuals or diving into marketing efforts to showcase the incredible opportunities at Greenhill YMCA, I’m thrilled to contribute to an organization that makes each day meaningful and impactful for young people.

What’s special about the Rank Network is the opportunity to learn from diverse and brilliant individuals, each hailing from unique backgrounds. It’s incredibly inspiring to witness the amazing work that everyone contributes to the network. Whether it’s tackling complex challenges or innovating in their respective fields, every member brings something valuable to the table.

What keeps me motivated and inspired within the Rank Network is not just the what or the how of our work, but the why – the shared dedication to making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

I’m Alfie (Alf for short). If you’re reading this, there’s a high chance we share a deep passion for change, and in order to achieve it, we must direct resources and attention in the right direction. I’m a part of this fantastic network at Rank for that exact reason.

I’m currently the Head of Sports at Reaching Higher Charity, but I didn’t gather the skills to lead a team, set culture, and create curriculums across my borough of Croydon solely of my own accord. I’m a product of love, opportunity, and incredible mentorship (my life could’ve easily gone in another direction). Now, as I grow older, the desire to impact lives, lead, and serve people continues to bloom.

Rank had a profound impact on me and, in extension, my family, so to now be a part of RLAG is truly humbling. Impact will be made!

I’m Dan Carter, Engagement Lead at Fotonow CIC, a community interest company in Plymouth creating socially engaged photography, film, and media projects to help shape a better world.

Before joining in the third sector, I worked in Sheffield as a psychologist at a professional football club. Wanting to do something with greater social impact, I changed direction (and location!) and now live in Plymouth with my wife and our two daughters.

When I first made that career change, I didn’t really know anyone in the third sector and I wasn’t sure where to start. The Rank Network is everything I’d dreamed of finding, it’s a community of exactly the kind of inspiring and values driven people that I’d hoped to meet and work alongside.

When I first got involved with The Rank Foundation in 2019, I had no idea just how many doors it would open, or how much I’d grow along the way. At the time, I was a Project Manager at The Advantage Foundation, and now, just a few years later, I’m leading the organisation as Operations Director. Rank has been a huge support on that journey, providing opportunities, guidance, and a network of incredible people who have helped me step up.

My Rank journey has been a whirlwind, filled with panel discussions, leadership programmes, and incredible opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with some of the most inspiring leaders in the UK. When I walked into my first-ever Rank meeting, I never imagined what would follow. Since then, I’ve gone from being a Time to Shine Manager to a Start Here Facilitator, Profit for Good recipient, NI Conference Host, and now a member of RLAG. Every step has pushed me to think bigger, lead better, and collaborate with the brilliant people shaping this sector. Whether it’s networking with decision-makers, supporting projects that make a real impact, or getting stuck into big conversations, Rank has constantly challenged me to step up.

But here’s the thing—what so special about Rank is that it isn’t just about the opportunities. It’s about the people. This network is packed with bold, passionate, and forward-thinking individuals who push boundaries and make things happen. I’ve been lucky to learn from them, collaborate with them, and now, hopefully, support the next wave of changemakers. If this is what the journey has looked like so far, I can’t wait to see what’s next!

I’ve worked in the EVAWG (Ending violence against women and girls) sector since 2003, and currently work as CEO for HARV Outreach and Paladin NSAS, in the last 5 years worked in collaboration to develop the Emily Davison Centre the first VAWG hub and home to 6 specialist services including the first domestic abuse service specifically for the Trans+ community, Loving Me.

I hold an MA in Voluntary Sector Management from Edge Hill University and am passionate about community development, capacity building and reshaping the voluntary sector to become more sustainable.

For me, the Rank Network is unique as it brings together organisations whose main link is Rank and this enables the ability and willingness to share and support each other in a way I have never experienced before. Rank’s Network is full of inspiring individuals who are dedicated to working together to support the sector.

I’m the Founder and CEO of SELFA Children’s Charity based in North Yorkshire, an organisation supports over 500 children and young people every year. Over the last two decades I have campaigned on a range of issues including access to services for families living in rural communities and children and young people’s mental health. This is deeply rooted in my own experience as a parent of a child with mental health support needs and emotionally based school avoidance.

I’m originally from Belfast and after studying Business and Finance at Ulster University, I moved to Yorkshire to work for the national charity Mencap and then moved into the public sector before setting up SELFA in 2007. I’m an ILM qualified Coach and Mentor from Leeds Beckett University, a West Yorkshire NHS Health Equity Fellow and a Media Spokesperson for the Sound Delivery Network.

The Rank Network is one of those really unique spaces that brings together leaders from all walks of life and builds on strengths through creating meaningful and lasting relationships. It’s my go-to when I need advice, guidance or reassurance – somewhere where everyone is equal, regardless of where they are on their leadership journey. I’ve learnt so much from experienced and new members alike, and I am very proud to be part of a network that has such a great impact across the UK.

I’ve worked at the Jack Petchey Foundation since 2017 and became CEO in 2022. Prior to that, I was Director of Link Age Southwark, a community volunteering charity supporting older people.

I have worked for over 20 years in policy, advocacy, leadership and grant-making roles in the third sector, across the UK, Europe, East Africa and beyond. I have been adviser, trustee and employee of grant makers including Comic Relief, the Samworth Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation. I have a degree in Social Anthropology from Cambridge University and a Masters in Gender and Develoment. Other charities I have worked for include the Refugee Council for over 8 years and Mind. I am a Trustee of Lewisham Local and chair the London Funders Children and Young People’s Network.

I passionately believe that connections between individuals and organisations are essential for effecting positive social change. The Rank Network is a fantastic resource of people committed to making our communities better places for everyone to thrive in. It’s full of incredibly talented and passionate people who are working towards the same end goal for our communities. By connecting so many inspiring individuals, we strengthen our chance of tackling social challenges and building a bright future for us all.