rank foundation

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.”

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.” 

Rank Foundation Chair to Step Down

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Rank family member, Joey Newton, steps down and Will Wyatt will assume role of Chair 

The Rank Foundation has announced that Joey Newton will be stepping down as Chair this year. Current Rank Foundation trustee, Will Wyatt, will assume the role of Chair following the AGM on 4 June 2024.

Joey dedicated 32 years to the Foundation, 11 of those years as Chair. He presided over a period of great transformation and challenge, not least the Foundation’s responses to Covid19 and the current cost-of-living crisis.

Under Joey’s leadership, the Rank Foundation saw significant changes, including the creation of its thriving Network, that now numbers around 1,500 members – many of whom Joey has visited over the years.

Inspired by his grandfather’s life and values, Joey played a key part in developing strategies that successfully combine leadership and enterprise, creating a range of exciting, long term programmes across the UK.

 Image 1: Joey Newton (leftmost)

The new Chair, Will Wyatt, has been a Rank Foundation trustee for 9 years.  Currently both Vice Chair of the Foundation and Chair of the Investment Committee, Will is also a non-executive director of Caledonia Investments plc and the recent Chair of The Jockey Club’s Newmarket Racecourses.

Image 2: Will Wyatt

Joey Newton said:

“The Rank Foundation is a truly amazing charity and I feel so proud that it all came about through my grandfather, Lord Rank. I’m so fortunate to have played a small part in its remarkable journey. Over many years, the consistent message from the many charities we have supported, is that being funded by the Rank Foundation is like joining a family, and that, above all else, strongly resonates with me. 

I have met so many truly, special people doing incredible things, all of which fills me with great hope for the future. What a privilege this has been!”

David Sanderson, Rank Foundation’s CEO said:

“It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Joey. I would like to thank Joey for his extraordinary contribution and leadership over many years and to wish him and his family well for the future.”