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Ymweliad Rhwydwaith Rank â Gogledd Iwerddon: Cefnogi arweinwyr lleol, adeiladu cymunedau cryfach

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Trustee James Murdoch

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.”

Crychdonnau Rank – Rhifyn Gwanwyn 2025

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A celebration of our diverse Network.

This edition of Rank Ripples magazine highlights the ways different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences contribute to social cohesion, innovation, and resilience. 

David Sanderson writes his final foreword as he prepares to step down as CEO of The Rank Foundation. He reflects on the values that have shaped its journey and highlights the power of strong leaders and the connections at the heart of lasting change.

Alongside your regular Fellowship update, it features stories from leaders in our Network who embody the principles of inclusive leadership, prioritise equity, and continuously learn about inclusivity. Inside are articles from Zulekha Dhala; Aawaz, Ciara Devlin; Breaking Barriers, Paul Smyth; Politics in Action, Cynthia Nchang; Integrate UK, Tim Leese; Welcome Churches, and conflict resolution specialist, Harriet Vickers.

We hope you enjoy reading it!

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David Sanderson i Ymddiswyddo fel Prif Swyddog Gweithredol Sefydliad Rank

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After 22 years of transformative leadership, David Sanderson has announced his decision to step down as CEO of The Rank Foundation. David will formally step down on 5 June 2025. 

David Sanderson

David’s tenure has been marked by the development of a unique ‘relational’ approach to philanthropy that distinguishes the Foundation in the philanthropic sector. 

David first joined The Rank Foundation as Director of Grants and Special Projects in 2002, a role that catalysed the Foundation’s evolution. Under his stewardship, the Foundation moved beyond traditional grant-making to embrace a model rooted in relationship-based philanthropy and this distinctive approach has become a defining feature of the Foundation’s work. 

Reflecting on his time at the Foundation, David said,  

“The Rank Foundation I joined, and the Rank Foundation today are scarcely recognisable. We’ve developed strategies, programmes and partnerships that enable our Network of social sector leaders to deliver meaningful, long-term change. It’s been an honour to be part of this transformation and my privilege to have built relationships with leaders across the UK who know they can rely on The Rank Foundation and its thriving Network for support.” 

Key achievements during David’s tenure include the introduction of a range of flagship programmes such as Time to Shine and the Rank Aspire Programme, which have supported the development of hundreds of aspiring social sector leaders, along with the adoption and proliferation of long term, place-based funding.  

The Rank Foundation’s place-based journey began in the East Lancashire mill town of Burnley, which had seen inter-racial violence erupt in 2001. Working alongside the police, Prince’s Trust and Business in the Community, David oversaw the funding of a cluster of community initiatives, which demonstrated the potential of concentrating time, knowledge and funding in a place.  

Since then, Rank has made over £25 million in long-term investments in Hull, Dundee, Plymouth, Northern Ireland and Sunderland. Learning more about how to evaluate and deliver impact, draw in extensive partnership funding, and empower grassroots organisations with each investment.  

David (center) with some Network members.
David (third from right) with Network members.
David (third from the left)
David (second from right) with colleagues.

But for David, the biggest success is the evolution of the Rank Network – a thriving group of 1,200 social sector leaders who are at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. He describes the Network as “the jewel in the crown,” noting its potential to drive learning, sharing, and collective action across the sector. 

Caroline Broadhurst

Regarding his successor, David expressed confidence in the Foundation’s future: 

“Caroline Broadhurst, who has worked alongside me for over 15 years, has been appointed into the role of CEO. Caroline’s exceptional leadership and vision will take The Rank Foundation to new heights. Her deep understanding of our work and her commitment to our values make her the ideal choice to lead the next chapter.” 

David plans to remain active in the philanthropic sector, offering his expertise as a consultant and advisor, after taking some time out and travelling in Africa. 

The Rank Foundation’s Chair, Will Wyatt, said: 

“David’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation that exists today. His legacy is one of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless focus on mission for impact. We thank him for his outstanding service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.” 

Sgwrs Dysgu Drwy Arweinyddiaeth – Tachwedd 2024

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‘Courage with Compassion: Leading in Today’s NHS’ with Sonji Clarke (Class of 1982)

In this blog post, Louisa Searle, Chair of the Rank Fellowship and a Fellow (Class of 2003), reflects on our recent Learning Through Leadership talk, ‘Courage with Compassion: Leading in Today’s NHS’, delivered by Sonji Clarke (Class of 1982). The event took place on 27th November 2024 at The Rank Foundation’s offices in Shoreditch, London.

About the guest speaker:

Sonji Clarke is a consultant obstetrician and deputy head of the London School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and an honorary senior lecturer at King’s College London. She has been a consultant for more than 10 years with special interests in perinatal mental health, substance misuse, and women who are pregnant with other complex social factors.

She also has a special interest in Postgraduate and Undergraduate education, as well as an interest in multi-professional diverse leadership development. In 2018, she was honoured as one of the Top 70 NHS Women Leaders in London during the NHS 70 year celebrations by the London Women’s Leadership Network.

The Learning Through Leadership Talks are a bi-annual event where members of the Fellowship are invited to deliver a talk on their leadership journey and reflect on what leadership has looked like and felt like to them in their careers and beyond.

For 2024’s second Learning Through Leadership Talk, we were honoured to be joined by the dynamic and inspiring energy of Dr Sonji Clarke, Class of 1982 at Garden Walk on 27th November.

Sonji’s talk was entitled ‘Compassionate Leadership’, but covered so much more ground than that. She shared personal stories from her childhood and youth and described how that has shaped the person and leader she has become today. It was particularly clear that the impact of her teachers – and of the Rank Leadership Award – had been immense and had truly changed her life. She reflected, often, on how privileged she felt to receive the Award in a way that was deeply moving.

Sonji’s candour and openness allowed us as the audience to see how her challenges and even her ‘failures’ had been part of her journey, and she encouraged us all to view such set-backs in a similar way. She also shared the framework she uses to form her ‘compassionate leadership’, and explored how integrity, authenticity, humility and empathy have guided her through challenging moments in her career. As is true for all of us, those challenges are sometimes posed from the work we do, from those around us and even sometimes from within ourselves. Sonji explained how she navigated all of them – from delivering babies in distress or accusations from colleagues, to racism and imposter syndrome – while always remaining true to herself and her values.

It was fascinating to hear how leadership looks and feels for a leader who has followed a vocation like medicine, particularly in the NHS and in women’s health. In the questions from the audience that followed the speech (and we had many!) Sonji shared with us the advice she would have given her younger self: ‘don’t limit yourself – never hold yourself back’.

Huge thanks to Sonji for the generosity she showed us by sharing so much of herself and her journey with the audience – we will be thinking about it for a long time to come.

Ynglŷn â'r awdur:

Louisa Searle, a Fellow (Class of 2003), serves as Chair of the Rank Fellowship. She began her career as a secondary school teacher in North London through the Teach First programme. In 2014, she left the classroom to co-found and lead First Give, a charity that empowers secondary school students to engage with and support their local communities through social action, while developing essential soft skills. Louisa joined The English-Speaking Union in June 2024 as Director of Education.

Dathlu Arweinyddiaeth Ysbrydoledig a Chynhwysol yng Nghynhadledd Sefydliad Rank 2024

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The Rank Foundation’s 2024 Conference in Manchester provided Network members a space to reflect on the social sector’s progress and challenges while highlighting the enduring significance of leadership in driving change.  

David Sanderson, Chief Executive of The Rank Foundation, opened by reflecting on the past two decades, tracing the Foundation’s evolution from work in Burnley in 2003 to present-day initiatives across the UK. Back then, challenges such as overcrowded prisons, a strained criminal justice system, and community tensions demanded immediate attention. 

Two decades later, many of these issues persist, compounded by over a decade of austerity. Yet the Rank Foundation and its Network have adapted and grown into a UK-wide force for positive change. 

David said: 

“Here we can talk of a ‘hard edged hope’ – not the soft, idealistic perceptions that some might have about the sector – but of a hope sharpened and honed by the realities of operating in a challenging and sometimes unforgiving environment, where giving up is not an option. 

The social sector is an engine room of strong, inspiring and inclusive leadership, and it is entirely fitting that this is the focus of this year’s conference.” 

Leadership as the cornerstone of change 

The conference’s theme, ‘Great Leaders Grow Together’ was inspired by the selfless and determined leaders within The Rank Foundation’s Network. From flagship programmes like Time to Shine and Rank Aspire to place-based projects in cities like Plymouth and Sunderland great leaders emerge, develop, connect communities, drive collaboration, and build resilience. 

This year’s conference also explored the critical need for inclusive leadership to connect teams and empower individuals. Seminars and discussions underscored the importance of encouraging diverse perspectives for effective decision-making. 

Learning from established and emerging leaders 

Rank’s team are very grateful to the many people who contributed to the conference this year. It couldn’t happen without their generosity, expertise and creativity.  

Guests agreed, with 95% saying speakers were either “extremely” or “very” engaging. 

The opening panel, hosted by Jordan Ignatius, Managing Director of Reaching Higher, included Abdul Hai OBE, Director of Community Relations & Public Affairs at LabTech London Limited; Tina Taylor, Founder of Aim Sky High; Gemma Juma, CEO of Jack Petchey Foundation; Simon Antrobus, CEO of Children in Need; and Zara Todd, an activist and Co-founder of the European Network on Independent Living.

Day two’s panel, hosted by Helen Kerr, Head of Business Development at WOMEN’STEC, featured Alfie Dance-Laing, a participant in the Rank Aspire programme; Maddie Hall from the Pushing Boundaries programme; Ethan Jones from the Time To Shine programme; Ilayda Bakare, a former School Leadership Award holder and current member of the Fellowship Leadership Team; and Odiri Ighamre, CEO of KORI, a recipient of our Major Grant. 

Seminars included: 

  • Shazia Ur-Rehman and Alison Green, CTVC, on telling a charity’s story in multiple ways 
  • Tony Silcock, Youth Initiatives, on faith in leadership 
  • Emma Pears, SELFA, on growing leadership 
  • Sam Anderson and Doctor Amanda Wootton, Social Action Enquiry Scotland, on learnings in leadership 
  • Precious Babatunde, Speakers Trust, on leading with your voice 
  • David Walsh, The Advantage Foundation, a conversation about learning from Rank’s Start Here enterprise programme in Northern Ireland  
  • Zam Zam Yusuf and Harvinder Poonian, on unlocking the secrets to effective community support in youth development. 

As usual guests were entertained and inspired by the graduates of the Time to Shine and the Rank Aspire programmes who showcased their journeys in creative ways. Participants of Pushing Boundaries for emerging leaders also shared their experience of this new programme. 

The evening keynote speaker was Julie Hesmondhalgh who inspired everyone with her speech. David introduced the esteemed actor, writer, and activist, highlighting her role as an ambassador for fairness and equality. 

Julie’s speech addressed the alarming decline in funding for arts education, stressing the sector’s significant contribution to the UK economy and its vital role in empowering young people and fostering community resilience. She discussed the transformative power of the arts in various social contexts and advocated for a leadership style rooted in vulnerability, humility, and empathy. 

Julie concluded with advice on embracing failures and valuing diverse perspectives, underscoring the balance between essential needs and the enrichment that culture brings to social justice efforts: 

“I truly believe in the words of the old song we need bread but we need roses too. This is especially important to remember when working in the fields of social justice, poverty and need in building a better world – and surely that has to be the number one aim here – we need not just to think about helping people to survive, but also to thrive. We all have a right to food and shelter, and education and health, but we have a right to beauty and joy too. The bread and the roses.” 

A shared vision of the future  

The conference celebrated the power of connection, the strength in diversity, and the enduring need for collaboration.  

Reflecting on the conference a participant explained what they valued was: 

“Being able to meet with others, share practice, catch up with people I know and make new connections. Having the space away from work to get creative and start thinking beyond my work environment, which often stifles these opportunities, as constantly fire-fighting. Feeling valued and that we’re not invisible.” 

Another said: “It would be helpful to bottle the conference, so I can keep topped up during the year. Have a shot of Rank Network inspiration and ‘crack on’ again.” 

To keep the energy and inspiration alive, you can: 

  • Listen to The Ripple Effect – a podcast about Rank’s thriving Network of leaders 
  • Read the latest edition of Rank Ripples which is all about inclusive leadership 

View the full album from the Conference:

Crychdonnau Rank – Rhifyn Hydref 2024

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Dathliad o arweinyddiaeth gynhwysol ac ysbrydoledig

This edition of Rank Ripples magazine explores a theme that is fundamental to resilient and thriving communities: inclusive leadership.

Alongside your regular Fellowship update, it features stories from leaders in our Network who embody the principles of inclusive leadership, challenge assumptions, prioritise equity, and continuously learn through inclusive action.

Abdul Hai OBE reflects on his lifelong commitment to social justice and economic equality across diverse communities. Emma Pears shares her insights on creating opportunities through leadership that fosters safety and growth. Jen McKevitt explores the strategies behind inclusive leadership’s role in empowering the VCSE sector, while Aimee Thorpe Mundt emphasises the importance of equality and inclusion in creating thriving workplaces.

Don’t miss a special section to reflect on your own inclusivity practices and make a commitment to lead with empathy and openness.

We hope you enjoy reading it!

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