Pick of the Month – April 2023

With April’s arrival, we’re back with another four individuals who are doing great work across charity, social entrepreneurship and trusteeship. In this Pick of the Month, you’ll read about individuals working across the theatre, community education and sport sectors. There’s a real range of perspectives this month – lots to consider as we bounce into springtime!

 

Trustee of the Month – Hashim Ramzan, Mathematics in Education and Industry

Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) is an independent educational charity and curriculum development body that provides professional development and resources to teachers to help inspire and raise students’ confidence and enjoyment in learning and using maths.

 

Hashim told us about what led him to become a young Trustee:

“I was a member of the Oldham Youth Council and for over three years, I learned how to actively contribute as a member while providing strategic direction to my fellow members. I helped outline goals and targets that defined our mission statement and positively affected our audience. I believe that all young people should have the opportunity to learn and grow as I have. That is the heart of my voluntary work. Youth representation is why I decided to be a Trustee.”

 

We also asked Hashim about his favourite aspect of the role so far: 

“My favourite part about being a Trustee is collaborating and networking with amazing people with different skills and experiences. I have had the opportunity to exploit my creative and professional strengths through rotational opportunities, mentored training, appraisal and a positive environment.”

 

Finally, giving his advice for prospective Trustees, Hashim said: 

“I was at a networking event in December and spoke to the President of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, Gillian Arnold. When I told Gillian about my Trustee role and asked her for advice on how to deal with self-doubt, she said that I needed to focus on resilience. Self-resilience and a positive mindset take time and experience to cultivate, but that ability to bounce back and withstand adversity no matter the situation will allow you to focus on the priorities for yourself and the people you are trying to help. Her advice struck a chord, and I found it very empowering.”

 

Stay up to date with the work of Mathematics Education Innovation on Twitter at @MEIMaths

 

Social Entrepreneur of the Month – Safia Jama MBE, Women’s Inclusive Team 

Tower Hamlets based charity, Women’s Inclusive Team, works to create a community where Black and Minority Ethnic women and their families are happy, safe and valued. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation worked fast and effectively to provide food and support to help some of the most vulnerable in the borough, for which the organisation was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in June 2021. As the Founder and Chief Executive of Women’s Inclusive Team, Safia Jama has spent over 20 years building, cultivating and safeguarding communities. 

 

Speaking about her passion for the organisation, Safia said: 

“No girl should be denied the chance to participate in mainstream services because of their cultural or religious needs. As a black Muslim woman, I understand first-hand the heartbreak and frustration that comes with being excluded from these experiences. That's why I started Women's Inclusive Team, a charity dedicated to giving girls from all walks of life the same opportunities as their peers.”

 

She also told us about some of the barriers that she has encountered:  

“Unfortunately, lack of funding and support continue to hold us back, but we refuse to let these barriers defeat us. Every girl deserves a chance to shine, and it's up to all of us to make sure that happens.”

 

Finally, Safia shared her advice for any aspiring social entrepreneurs:

“My advice to other social entrepreneurs is simple: never give up. Keep working hard, stay focused, and let your lived experiences fuel your determination to make change happen. Together, we can break down the barriers that prevent our communities from thriving.”

 

Stay up to date with the work of Women’s Inclusive Team on Twitter at @WomenInclusive

 

Charity Leader of the Month – Joe McGinn, Coach Bright 

CoachBright is a social mobility charity that supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to become confident, independent, and resilient learners so they can lead the lives they want to. The charity has four regional teams based in Birmingham, Exeter, London, and Reading, and works with roughly 4,000 young people every year. It partners with schools to run face-to-face and virtual coaching programmes, pairing young people with relatable role models to support in both their academic and pastoral development.

 

Joe told us about when he first got involved with the organisation: 

“I took over from the brilliant Robin Chu, CoachBright's founding Chief Executive, in December. There were two key things that really attracted me to the role. The first was its social mobility mission. I grew up in Tottenham, North London, one of the least affluent areas in the country, but benefited enormously from social mobility provision growing up. For this reason, I really value and understand the personal impact that our work can have on young people from less privileged backgrounds.”

 

Speaking about his role within the organisation, Joe said:

“After ten or so years of youth and education work, my previous role, at impact evaluation non-profit ImpactEd, meant I saw how often well-meaning interventions can sometimes have a negligible, or even a negative, impact on young people's lives. But CoachBright's programmes have been independently evaluated for a number of years to show such powerful impact, and so it's fantastic to join an organisation with a track record of making a serious difference to the lives of the young people who really need additional support.”

 

Find out more about CoachBright’s work on Twitter at @CoachBrightUK

 

Fellow of the Month – Lindsey Alvis, Middle Child Theatre 

After 10 years producing theatre, first for London based touring company Headlong and then for Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres, Lindsey returned home for Hull UK City of Culture 2017 before joining Middle Child, where she is currently Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive. Lindsey is passionate about providing opportunities for artists and audiences in the city in which she grew up, making Hull a creative and vibrant place to live, work and play.

 

Lindsey told us a bit more about Middle Child Theatre and her attitude to working: 

“Middle Child Theatre is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation based in Hull creating gig theatre that brings people together for a good night out with big ideas. As an organisation, we seek to break down barriers, ensuring that theatre is affordable and accessible for all.

I continually consider new ways of working, especially by championing flexible working. I’m passionate about parents being able to remain and thrive in the sector. It is vital that we retain talent and champion flexible, inclusive working policies!”

 

She noted that even under a challenging climate, organisations of all sizes can contribute change:

“The key opportunities for Middle Child right now come with East Riding being highlighted by Arts Council England as a priority area. We want to secure Hull’s creative and cultural future – as a small yet dynamic organisation, I believe we can lead in changemaking. Additionally, with the current social and economic challenges, it’s important that we continue finding new ways to support the freelance workforce.”

 

As a Senior Fellow, Lindsey hopes to be aspirational and ambitious:

“I have three outcomes I hope to achieve as part of my journey on the Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy Senior Fellowship programme: to create a culture of fundraising, build a senior strategic approach and find opportunity in adversity.”

 

Lindsey’s experience as a working mother informs her hopes for the arts and culture sector:

“I would like to continue championing and working with parents and carers through my own lived experience as a mother of two. With this, I hope we can find more authenticity in leadership, defined by transparency and openness.”

 

Keep up with Lindsey and Middle Child Theatre on Twitter at @MiddleChildHull. As of April 20th, Lindsey will embark on a new professional challenge at Parents and Carers in Performing Arts – we wish her all the best in her new role!