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