Rank Leaders Action Group

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 am originally from South Africa with an extensive background in management consulting, project management, and training. In 2017, I moved to Wales, where I joined Credu, a carers organisation in Mid Powys, and successfully secured a place on the Time to Shine Programme. This opportunity was pivotal, fostering an increased sense of purpose and enhancing my skills for a career in the health and social care sector.

I currently work as part of the Powys Regional Partnership Board team, where I facilitate improved collaboration between statutory services and the voluntary sector. I also work as a freelance trainer and action learning facilitator for the Time to Shine programme. I feel privileged and grateful to still be working with the Rank Foundation.

Beyond work, I am a keen runner, enjoy exploring the scenic landscapes of Wales, and immersing myself in a good book.

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.

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 am born, raised and very much still part of Hendon, an area of high deprivation in Sunderland. With a background in regeneration, enterprise and community engagement as well as charitable work and an MSc in Urban Policy & Regeneration from Northumbria University, it was perhaps written in the stars that I would lead Back on the Map (BotM) and the regeneration of Hendon.

I started at BotM in 2011 and worked my way up to CEO in April 2022. Along the way, I’ve managed many impactful projects, securing significant funding, and achieving remarkable results.

Away from BotM, I hold positions with other local and national charitable organisations and am a member of the Rank Foundation’s Rank Leaders Action Group. Looking ahead, my focus remains on empowering Hendon’s residents and amplifying their voices in all our endeavours.

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’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!

As Fundraising Manager at Horatio’s Garden, I am responsible for raising funds for the creation of new garden projects and the ongoing operational costs of the charity through building relationships with trusts, foundations and corporations. The aim of Horatio’s Garden is to provide accessible, beautiful gardens at spinal injury centres across the UK for the community of people affected by spinal injuries, including patients, their loved ones and the staff at the centres.

The Rank Foundation has been hugely supportive of Horatio’s Garden and individuals at the charity. I first became involved with the Rank Foundation as a manager of a Time to Shine leader, and since then, the Rank Foundation has enabled me to gain the Chartered Management Institute Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership. The Pushing Boundaries – Emerging Leaders programme provided further opportunities to develop these skills whilst meeting fascinating people from a range of backgrounds.

I feel privileged to be part of the Rank Network as it brings together a diverse and supportive community of people in the social sector, creating opportunities to share ideas and inspiration.

For over 30 years, I’ve worked as an educator and storyteller across schools, prisons, museums, and mental health hospitals. With expertise in Social Pedagogy and youth development, I’ve trained youth workers across the UK and supported leadership growth in Africa. I co-founded three organisations: Women Tellers, Evwreni Productions, and KORI Youth Charity, which I’ve led since 2002.

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.

I’m the Founder and Director of Braw Tea CIC, a social enterprise café supporting women who face extra challenges in life.

My background is in marketing and communications, and I’m a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. My career has been in the public and third sectors. Most recently, I was part of the senior leadership team at a local university, responsible for recruitment, marketing, and partnerships. Before that, I was the innovation lead for NESTA in Scotland, piloting and scaling programmes in the creative industries. Early in my career, I worked as a fundraiser for a large cancer charity. All of this experience has been invaluable in helping me lead a new and evolving not-for-profit. None of these roles spoke to my values, however, which is where Rank came in!

I juggled two jobs for two years before Rank’s funding in 2024 allowed me to leave my job and focus on Braw Tea full-time. This support has been transformational, and I’m delighted to be part of such a supportive network. I joined RLAG in January 2026 and look forward to meeting more Rank members, as this organisation is truly special.

I’ve spent my career dedicated to strengthening communities and championing social change. For the past nine years, I’ve served as Chief Executive of Empowerment Charity in Blackpool, leading an exceptional team committed to amplifying local voices, supporting people facing adversity, and helping create a fairer, more hopeful future for the town I proudly call home.

Born and raised in Blackpool, I’ve worked in the social sector throughout my life – as a volunteer, a frontline practitioner, and in leadership roles since 2005. I hold an MA in Social Policy and Criminology and an MA in Social Pedagogical Leadership, grounding my practice in both academic insight and deep community understanding.

I’m passionate about reshaping the narrative of Blackpool by working collaboratively with residents, partners and civic leaders to tell a story rooted in hope, change and civic pride. In the 2025 New Year’s Honours, I was awarded an MBE by the King for my work in Blackpool.

My longstanding connection with The Rank Foundation began in 2011 when Empowerment welcomed its first Time to Shine leader. Since then, I’ve been continually inspired by Rank’s creativity, its commitment to nurturing local communities, its development of values-led leaders, and its unwavering belief in people’s potential.

I’m delighted to contribute to and learn from such an inspiring network, and I remain motivated every day by the possibility of positive change created when people work together with purpose.