About Us > People
Our People
Rank has a small team who spend their time building strong relationships and working alongside the Network. Rank’s team is supported by an active board of trustees and leaders from our Network all of whom offer their time and expertise to help our decision making.
- All Members
- Fellowship Leadership Team
- Place-based Associate Directors
- Rank Leaders Action Group
- Staff
- Trustees
Alejandra Arcila Alzate
Marketing and Communications Officer at Greenhill YMCA
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.
Andrew Fleming
Trustee
I have been a Trustee since 2014 and have spent over 30 years in the Investment Business. During my career, I have managed an office in Tokyo and a joint venture business in the USA. Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, walking (particularly in Scotland), skiing, and planting trees.
I was drawn to contribute to the Rank Foundation because of the incredibly important work it does, especially in disadvantaged areas. I am particularly interested in the Rank Fellowship programmes.
Canon Sarah Snyder
Trustee
Caroline Broadhurst
Deputy Chief Executive
I’ve worked at The Rank Foundation since 2006, formerly as the Director of Community Care Projects. I’ve been Deputy CEO since 2014.
I hold an Executive M.B.A. from Lancaster University and I’m a Practitioner in Executive Coaching. As a Clore Social Fellow (2012), I was seconded to Candid in San Francisco and Oikocredit in the U.K, to research the key tenets of governance in philanthropy.
I’m a collaborator with a passion for investing in the next generation of social sector leaders.
Rank’s Network is full of inspiring individuals like award-winning social entrepreneur Kate Smith, CEO and co-founder of Memory Matters in Plymouth. With a background in nursing, Kate was driven to improve support and services to people with dementia and their families, at the critical stage of diagnosis.
It’s my privilege to work alongside the inspiring leaders and entrepreneurs in the Network every day.
Daniel Simon
Trustee
Danika Grierson
Finance and Operations Officer
I joined The Rank Foundation in October 2024, where my role is to support the day-to-day management of finance and operations. This includes processing payments, invoices, expenses, and grants, assisting with event organisation, and providing administrative support for the Foundation’s flagship programmes.
I have a BA Hons in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University, after which I have mostly worked in the charity sector. I have had roles within the NHS, Samaritans, Solace Women’s Aid, The National Autistic Society, Bright Horizons (formerly known as My Family Care), and Veetee Foods. When I am not at work, I enjoy making memories with loved ones, continuing my accounting studies, reading, attending events, working on creative projects, and spending time in nature.
What is special at The Rank Foundation is the direct impact on individual lives and the continued support in the Network such as the School Leadership Award which supports young people with great leadership and inspires them towards a purposeful life and career.
Dave Rawding
Associate Director, Hull
David Dorward
Associate Director, Dundee
I became Rank Associate for Dundee in the Spring of 2015, after retiring as the Chief Executive of Dundee City Council in November 2014. During my final five years as Chief Executive, I chaired the Dundee Partnership, which was the collaborative forum within the City consisting of the City Council, NHS Tayside, Police, Fire, Universities, Colleges, Chamber of Commerce, and the third sector.
The knowledge and connections I gained provided me with the opportunity to support and coordinate the Rank Foundation’s place-based investment in the Dundee Community Development programme.
In my spare time, I am a Director of Dundee United Football Club and Chairman of the Club’s associated charity.
David Sanderson
Chief Executive
I joined the Foundation in 2002 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Prior to this, I served as a soldier for 24 years, with deployments in Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, the Caribbean, and various parts of Europe.
I have helped to pioneer Rank’s place-based programmes, leading the new strategy and exploring new opportunities for the Foundation.
I have a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. I enjoy walking and wilderness trekking, and maintain a strong interest in several African charities. I am also a member of the UK Foundation’s Forum and a member of the European Venture Philanthropy Association.
Debbie Fawcett
Chief Executive Officer at Harv Outreach and Paladin NSAS
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.
Edouardine Timmamo
Senior Finance Officer
I joined the Foundation in 2016 and provide day-to-day support to the Finance Director.
I’m a Certified Chartered Accountant and hold a degree in Commercial and Distribution from the Catholic University of Central Africa in Cameroon. I worked for more than 5 years in a variety of sectors in Cameroon, such as FMG and Oil and Gas, as a Sales and Accounts executive/supervisor.
I’ve lived in the UK since 2009 and decided to redirect my career to the charity sector. Previously, I worked in a small charity organisation and then in the education sector.
Emma Pears
Chief Executive Officer at SELFA
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.
Felix Haynes
Fellow, Class of 2017
I received the School Leadership Award in 2017. The award financially supported my sixth form studies at RGS Worcester and provided me with opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach. It also gave me access to a community that I have already been able to turn to at key moments in my life. It was a chance to connect with this very special Fellowship, which spans generations and seems to follow you through your big life changes.
I graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2022, where I studied Politics and International Relations. After graduation, I moved to London after landing my first “proper” job. I joined the Ofcom graduate scheme and now work at the Financial Conduct Authority as a Senior Crypto Policy Advisor.
Following a pandemic-fuelled few years of online lectures, I was finding my feet in a new city and once again sought out that community that the Rank Fellowship provides. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to help support the Fellowship, and I’m excited to meet more amazing members of this incredible community.
Gemma Juma
Chief Executive Officer at the Jack Petchey Foundation
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.
Helen Kerr
Head of Business Development at WOMEN’STEC, Belfast
I’m currently the Head of Business Development at WOMEN’STEC, a charity supporting women and girls to consider careers in sectors where women are underrepresented. I joined WOMEN’STEC in 2018 as Business Development Officer through Rank’s Time to Shine programme. Before this, I worked as a third sector consultant with charities, sports clubs, government, and councils.
At university, I achieved a First Class Hons in BSc Sports and Exercise Science. In 2020, with support from the Rank Foundation, I achieved a Distinction in MSc in Business Development and Innovation. My research study examined the impact of the pandemic on third sector organisations and developed a framework for organisational resilience. In 2020, I also joined the Rank Leaders Action Group.
I love learning, and particularly, learning from others. The Rank Network has a vast range of inspiring individuals from organisations all across the UK who hold valuable knowledge and experiences that we can all learn from. What is special about this network of like-minded, social leaders, is that everyone is so open to knowledge sharing and collaborating and so I feel that I have a friendly, supportive network that can be called upon if advice or support is needed. What’s more is, the opportunities that come through knowledge sharing can help drive innovation and creativity in the social sector, and the Rank Network is certainly leading the way with this. For me, as a leader working in Northern Ireland, it is also very valuable to hear from the experiences of leaders across every corner of the UK.
Helen Stockdale
Senior Event and Engagement Manager
I’ve worked for the Rank Foundation since 2004 and manage the Penrith office. My role has evolved since commencing but I have always been involved in event planning and a variety of leadership programmes. I’m the point of contact for Rank Memorial Award applicants and the RankNet Leaders Action Group (RLAG). Additionally, I’m an Action Learning Facilitator and have worked with groups of Time to Shine leaders. Prior to this, I worked in local government finance.
I feel very privileged working for the Rank Foundation, it doesn’t really feel like work when you enjoy what you do.
It’s wonderful to work, and be connected, with many network members, and I’ve met some truly inspiring people over the years. One such person is James Watt-Rees from People and Work, Rhonda – James joined the Rank Aspire programme in 2018, he went on to develop and lead a project supporting many young people in rural Wales. James has also become an influential voice to The Senedd advocating for rural communities and opportunities for young people in Wales.
For me, the annual networking conference is a highlight, as it embodies the vision of the network in action.
Ilayda Bakare
Fellow, Class of 2012
At the age of 16, I was the sole recipient in my year of the Rank Foundation’s School Leadership Award. Over the next two summers, I spent two weeks doing my Community Action Placement at the wonderful Greenbank Church in Cornwall. It really helped shape my get-stuck-in-with-anything-and-everything attitude!
Before studying Mathematics at the University of Leeds, I took a gap year and taught English in a primary school in Valencia. Whilst at university, I continued to be a part of the Rank family and attended conferences and events.
In 2022, I joined the Fellowship Leadership Team and have enjoyed my time on the team immensely, mostly getting to know the other members on a more personal level. I volunteered to coordinate our first official mentoring scheme! I think mentoring is one of the most important ways to develop as a person, and I have had many mentors in my life, each one giving me such useful information, soft skills, and confidence that I still carry with me today.
I think the most incredible thing about the Rank Network is definitely the range of people who are a part of it. Any sector you can think of, you can find someone connected to Rank who works in it. As a young person just starting to grow my networking skills, speaking to such a varied group of adults in established careers gave me invaluable breadth of vision.
Jade Parry-Williams
Front of House Officer
I joined the Rank Foundation in May 2024 as the Front of House Officer for our coworking space in Shoreditch, London. I graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2022 with a degree in International Relations and Sociology. My degree, along with a six-month backpacking trip after graduating university inspired me to pursue a career in the non-profit sector.
The Rank Network is so special because it connects so many inspiring individuals and organisations to bring about positive change all across the UK. I am very grateful to be a part of such an amazing network.
James Murdoch
Trustee
James Watts-Rees
Community Development Lead at People & Work
Janaki Jayasuriya
Director of Finance
I joined the Foundation in January 2024 with 20 years of experience working in the charity sector, mainly with international non-governmental organisations.
I am a qualified accountant (ACCA) and have held positions as Treasurer for several not-for-profit organisations. I have led finance functions and have skills and experience in areas of financial strategy and management, charity governance, and leadership. When I am not at work, I enjoy gardening, walking, and listening to world music.
I am particularly passionate about the role that community plays in bringing about positive change. Having spent four years living in Thailand and working with women’s groups on the Thai-Burma border, I saw firsthand the power of the collective and the resilience of people when faced with adversity.
I am very much looking forward to being part of the Rank Network and collaborating with inspiring people working in the social sector at a time of great need.