Rank Network visit to Northern Ireland: Backing local leaders, building stronger communities

Recently, Rank Foundation Trustee James Murdoch travelled to Belfast to visit five organisations that are part of our Network in Northern Ireland: The Turnaround Project, Belfast Giants, The Advantage Foundation, Sailortown Regeneration Association, and WOMEN’STEC – all of which are doing vital, locally led work to improve lives in the communities they cherish.

His visit was a chance to connect with local leaders, hear directly from those delivering and benefitting from projects on the ground, and see the Foundation’s impact in action across several programmes: Time to Shine, Start Here, Profit for Good, and Cost of Living Support.

Shared purpose and real impact

Reflecting on the visit, James shared two standout moments that had a lasting impression. “At both The Turnaround Project and WOMEN’STEC, we met participants who have received support through multiple Rank programmes,” he said. “In each case, the messages were similar. What struck me was their sense of purpose, hope, camaraderie and a determination to ‘go straight’. These organisations aren’t just offering training or jobs – they’re delivering holistic support that restores confidence, direction, and dignity.”

Strategic levers in action

To James, the visit truly brought Rank’s four strategic levers – Leadership, Enterprise, Faith and Community – vividly to life.

At WOMEN’STEC, James highlighted the journey of Helen Kerr, who progressed from a Time to Shine leader to her current role as Head of Business Development and former member of Rank’s Leaders Action Group (RLAG): “Her rise is mighty impressive and a real example of leadership in action.”

At The Advantage Foundation’s Ravine project, an employability programme supporting young people facing mental health challenges through work experience in horticulture, agriculture, and conservation, James was impressed by the enterprising spirit behind their growing social business: “They’ve already launched a nursery and farm shop, with plans to expand into a café and scaled-up production.”

Sailortown Regeneration Association stood out as a project grounded in faith and community heritage, supporting both residents of Sailortown and interested visitors. Their work is centred on restoring the historic St Joseph’s Church in the Belfast Docks as a community hub, forming part of a people-led regeneration of the area.

To James, every visit highlighted the power of community. Each of the five charities is rooted in and lifting up their communities in different ways: The Turnaround Project supports ex-offenders on their journey forward; Belfast Giants offer ice hockey lessons to children in deprived areas; Ravine serves the local community through its space and shop, while supporting young people’s mental health through jobs, skills, and training. Sailortown Regeneration is focused on restoring the church in Sailortown as a community hub for all. WOMEN’STEC provides non-traditional skills to socially disadvantaged women across Northern Ireland.

The power of local leaders and the Rank Network

James noted the presence of multiple Start Here roles and Time to Shine alumni across the organisations. “Rank is proud to back these roles, offer participants ongoing support through the Rank Network, and see their growth over time.”

Each charity faces unique challenges in helping people move forward from the past, particularly within the context of Northern Ireland’s complex history. But James saw clear signs of progress. “It’s so inspiring to see the positive change each charity brings to people’s lives and their communities. I left the meaningful visit energised and full of admiration for everyone I met.”