Pick of the Month - September 2024

We are delighted to kick off the new academic year by showcasing four individuals who are using their skills and expertise to support good causes. Keep reading to find out more about the work that they do and their advice for current and aspiring charity leaders, social entrepreneurs, trustees, and fundraising professionals!

 

Charity Leader of the Month – Katie Smith, Books Beyond Words

 

Books Beyond Words creates wordless picture books designed to support people with learning disabilities and communication difficulties. The books use illustrations to convey stories and information, making complex topics accessible to those who may struggle with written or spoken language. The charity aims to empower individuals by providing resources that help them understand and navigate important life events, such as health care, relationships, and personal safety.

To begin our conversation, Katie explained her work and mission:

“Beyond Words has been creating word-free picture stories for 35-years.

Stories without words encourage the reader to interpret characters’ feelings, expressions and situations through the lens of their own experiences, encouraging discussion around difficult topics like grief, mental health and trauma. They can be used for a wide range of purposes, from starting conversations about specific activities like visiting the doctor or making friends, to assisting children and adults with complex disabilities to understand and engage with everyday activities.”

 

Katie went on to note the key factors in her progress and her role at Words Beyond Books:

“I was identified as dyslexic during my A-Levels, which explained my earlier frustrations in school and helped me accept that I’m a practical and visual learner. After university I worked in multimedia production making training videos for large household names, before working as an Assistant Producer for ITV – this was all about communicating via images, which is how my brain works best.  I took a project manager role at the MS Society after my mum was diagnosed with the condition. Moving to the charity sector was a revelation! I have met so many talented and passionate people in the 17 years since then and learnt so much from all of them.

Growing up I didn’t know about careers in the charity sector but looking back I always had a strong sense of social injustice. Since that first charity role I’ve honed my third sector and leadership experience in a selection of health and education non-profits in London. I joined Beyond Words in November 2023 as my first permanent Chief Executive role. I was looking for a charity that enables people to make their own decisions, and I found that in the Books Beyond Words titles, which are a fantastic tool for empowering people to speak up about the things that affect their lives.

The best thing about a small charity is the variety. This month, I have been reaching out directly to our self-advocates (readers who have a learning disability), engaging them with a fundraising fashion show; we’ve exceeded our annual target (two-months early) for our first national project setting up community-based Book Clubs (Book Club In A Box); and we’re preparing for a big launch into schools (Open Book) following a new study that shows our word-free picture stories improve the emotional wellbeing of 92% of pupils!”

 

Katie then offered some advice for prospective leaders:

“This is my ABC for aspiring leaders:

1. Authenticity. You will live and breathe the cause that you work for, it must be something that you truly believe in.
2. Balance. Alongside my paid work I also volunteer for a completely different cause. It gives me a different perspective, introduces me to new people, and teaches me transferable skills.
3. Challenge. When building your team, it’s important to include people who think differently to you. You must all believe in the same outcome, but different views and experiences on how to get there will be a strength.”

 

Considering the future of the arts sector, she identified some areas she’d like to see change: 

“Funding insecurity is probably the biggest challenge for many charities. I would like to see more funders offering secure long-term funding for services and interventions that are proven to work. It isn’t always in anyone’s best interests to be reinventing the projects that service users rely on.”

 

Keep up to date with the work of Katie and Books Beyond Words here. 

 

Social Entrepreneur of the Month – Poku Osei, Babbasa

 

This month, we are proud to highlight Poku Osei, the Founder of Babbasa, a Bristol-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their ambitions. The name "Babbasa" symbolises the power of ordinary citizens coming together to support those in need. Through mentoring, skills development, and career support, Babbasa helps young people overcome barriers and access opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The organisation’s mission is to foster inclusion, build confidence, and enable young people to reach their full potential while promoting diversity and social mobility within the community.

Poku shared with us the inspiration behind Babbasa’s founding:

“Key to starting Babbasa, and my ongoing consulting work, is a strong belief in social mobility and a desire to add value to the lives of others. I believe that all individuals, regardless of their background, should be given the opportunity to unlock their potential. This is what Babbasa seeks to do, offering young people the skills and guidance they need to pursue their dreams and ambitions.”

 

He also reflected on the challenges he has encountered:

“The challenges are varied. As a Black man and first-generation immigrant to the UK, one consistent challenge has been race-based discrimination. This has unfortunately played out in all aspects of my professional life—whether in partnership engagement, funding bids, or policy and stakeholder engagement work.

It's crucial, however, to resist a victim mentality when facing these barriers. Perseverance is key, and for me, that means occasionally reminding myself why I am doing this work. I find great motivation in knowing that I am working to improve the lives of others.”

 

Despite these challenges, Poku has experienced many rewarding moments in his journey:

“The entire process has been immensely fulfilling and has helped me grow as a person. I’ve become more resilient and gained valuable skills in governance, finance, and working with people from all walks of life to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges.

Thanks to Babbasa’s success, I’ve also realised the power one individual can have in transforming lives. I feel a deep sense of fulfilment knowing that the organisation I founded has improved the life chances of over 4,000 young people from marginalised communities.”

 

Finally, Poku offered advice for aspiring social entrepreneurs:

“My advice would be to always remember your ‘why.’ At some stage, the going will get tough, and in those moments, remembering your ‘why’ gives you the meaning needed to justify the struggle. Sticking to your ‘why’ is also motivating and helps you prioritise when faced with competing demands.”

To learn more about Babbasa, visit the website. 

 

Trustee of the Month – Rob Pomphrett, Possible

Possible is a UK-based charity focused on tackling climate change by inspiring and empowering people to take practical action in their daily lives. Possible works on projects that promote sustainable living, including encouraging low-carbon travel, supporting community tree planting, and advocating for renewable energy. Possible aims to make climate action accessible and engaging for everyone, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and empowering communities to create a positive environmental impact.

Rob began by speaking to us about how he came to his current role:

“I joined the board at Possible in April 2024, having retired from a 30+ year career in banking, where I worked for several major financial institutions in London, New York and Hong Kong. I was fortunate enough to be selected as the new treasurer of Possible following a thorough open application and interview process. I was excited to be able to use my financial acumen to help Possible fulfil its mission, as I share their passion for helping people understand and respond to the climate crisis.”

 

Speaking about his motivations for joining the board, Rob said:

“What inspires me about Possible first and foremost is the people - although it is not a large charity, it has some great people and ideas - and has had some really impactful successes recently, with projects like Clean Cars for Carers and the restart of Onshore Wind generation. It is also a very forward thinking organisation when it comes to working practices, such as its Anti-Oppression programme, which encourages inclusion and widespread participation.”

 

Rob also discussed his favourite aspects of the role:

“My favourite thing about being a trustee is being able to give something back, whether that’s advice, coaching or support to the staff and through the development, challenge and implementation of the charity’s strategy. After working full-time for longer than I can remember, I am now looking to develop a small portfolio of meaningful roles across the charity and corporate sectors, where I can use my skills and connections to make a difference. I identified the environment and financial literacy as two causes that are particularly close to my heart, as I believe both have the potential to have a profound impact on how people live their lives and on their futures.”

 

However, the role is not without challenges. On this subject, Rob said:

“I think the biggest challenge so far has been a combination of managing my time across a range of commitments and the organisational bandwidth available for me to get to know the charity and the senior team well enough so that I can really start to add value. After a very helpful induction programme and two sets of board and finance committee meetings, I do now feel as though I am getting more familiar with how the organisation ticks and have certainly been made to feel very welcome by everyone, at all levels.”

 

To end, Rob offered some advice for anyone thinking about becoming a trustee:

“I think the advice I would give is to really consider your skill set and interests and find a role which is well aligned with both. I’m sure an argument can be made for doing something completely different, but my experience to date suggests that while it is useful to be curious and open to new ideas, it also helps if you can bring some relevant experience from your personal or professional domain. That is beneficial to the charity and also means you will be working with an organisation that is well aligned with your values and beliefs. This should ensure that your contributions are valued and you feel motivated to help.

I would also consider undertaking some specific training if possible, especially if you have not previously worked in the charity sector or held prior board roles. I had some experience of boards and governance committees in my banking career, but I have recently completed the FT Non-Executive Director Diploma as well as attending some excellent training run by Cause4 for charity trustees, both of which helped me understand the responsibilities and expectations of NEDs and Trustees, as well as the requirements of the relevant governance codes.”

To see updates from Possible, click here.

 

Fellow of the Month – Leah Swain, Hastings Contemporary

Leah is Head of Development at Hastings Contemporary (HC), a modern and contemporary art gallery which aims to enrich lives, support creativity and help Hastings to thrive. Leah has worked in arts fundraising for the last ten years, focusing on philanthropy, special projects and partnerships. Major projects include anniversary fundraisers for Artangel and the South London Gallery (SLG), as well as managing the final stages of the SLG’s Fire Station capital campaign. 

Leah was a founding Board Member and Director of Young Arts Fundraisers (YAF), a peer-and volunteer-led professional network for early-career fundraisers in the arts sector.   

In our conversation, Leah explained her current role and journey into fundraising:

“After stints at the South London Gallery and Artangel, via the commercial art world, I landed my current role as Head of Development at Hastings Contemporary last year. The gallery is in this amazing coastal location, flanked by a beach-launched fishing fleet. I oversee all aspects of fundraising including individual giving, trusts and foundations, and corporates.

We became an independent charity in 2018 just before the pandemic hit, so it’s been an exciting opportunity to grow the organisation with my colleagues. We’re building new programmes and bringing funders on the journey with us, it’s incredibly rewarding and motivating.”

 

Leah also outlined some of the future opportunities for Hastings Contemporary in the UK’s current context:

“We recently received funding from the government’s former Levelling Up fund to build a mobile creative studio in partnership with local arts organisations and other Arts Council NPOs in the town. Hastings has this incredible creative community and there’s so many opportunities for collaboration.    

The studio will support programmes to reach under-served communities in the town, breaking down barriers to access and providing opportunities for local people. We’re determined to do what we can to alleviate systemic challenges facing Hastings. It is the most deprived town in the south-east of England with deepening health, social, economic and creative inequalities."

 

Thinking about the year ahead, Leah talked about what’s she looking forward to as part of the Fellowship Programme:

“I’m really looking forward to building a new community of peers in the cultural sector. Fundraising can be quite lonely at times in a small team so it will be an amazing opportunity to learn more about how other organisations fundraise, share ideas and support each other through challenges. I’m also excited for the training programme and to hear from changemakers in the sector.”

 

Leah ended by discussing the changes she would like to see in the sector:

“I was struck recently by a quote from one of the foodbanks that received a transformational donation from Taylor Swift following her UK tour. The charity said it had the “breathing space” to “try something different”. I’d love to see more of this innovation in the sector. Unfortunately, the reality is that teams are often overstretched and trying to manage unrealistic expectations. In my role as a fundraiser, I of course care about the artists and our beneficiaries, but I also care deeply for my colleagues, their wellbeing and security.”

 

Keep up to date with the work of Hasting Contemporary via the website.