Our people

Alex is a qualified chartered accountant with 10 years of experience with KPMG providing internal audit, governance, risk management and compliance review to charities, education and healthcare institutions and the broader public sector.  She currently works with a number of national and international grant giving charities to assess their internal control environments, compliance with charity commission requirements and assessing compliance with funding conditions across the world.

Each day I’m struck by the crises facing children and young people, whether it be cost of living, county lines, or access to mental health services. I continue to be impressed by the impact that The Children’s Society has, and the breadth of the mission and activity that has taken place over its 140 year history.  The aspiration and commitment of everyone at The Children’s Society to bring about change and create a better life for children is really inspiring.

Alaba is a chartered accountant with several years experience, in various industries including Infrastructure/Investments (PFI/PPP), Construction, Public Sector, Travel and Leisure, amongst others.  Alaba is  currently a Member of the Church of Lincoln Dioceses Asset Committee.

“Kids are people too”.

"Hope to me means that our lives are not static. There is always room for a change in our individual circumstances or a change in fortune which allows us to continue to strive for improvement and growth.   It is important for us to have hope as it allows us to eliminate any limits placed on us and seek the most favorable outcomes."

Leon is the CEO of the UK’s largest financial education charity, MyBnk. MyBnk works across the country delivering financial education programmes to young people in schools and in other community settings. With a background in charity governance, innovation and programme design, Leon has more than ten years’ experience as a change maker and is a champion of social justice and positive youth movements across the UK. One of his many career highlights includes creating the Young Trustee Guide in partnership with CAF. He currently sits on board committees of Refuge and The Children’s Society and is the former Deputy Chair of Brook.

Helen has spent over 30 years working in retail and digital retail in the John Lewis Partnership. She spent much of her time buying and sourcing products. With that experience she moved into digital retail, and also set up a 'not for resale' procurement function. 

'The work that The Children's Society undertakes is astonishing. Not only what they do today but also their vision for the future. I'm struck by the passion and commitment of everyone involved to bring positive change about. This is way more than words on a page and the team don't shy away from the difficult stuff. Society needs to better help and support young people, giving them the voice they deserve'.

Sam is the CEO of MHA, the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. He has spent most of his career as a social worker in children's services, both within local authorities and children's charities. Most recently as Corporate Director of children's services at Barnados. 

'Until three years ago, the focus of my career was working with children, young people and their families. First as a volunteer for The Children's Society, then as a social worker, then into more senior roles. I value being able to bring my personal experience of both the charity and children’s sectors to support the Board in improving the lives and life chances of young people. Hope is not a wish but a choice. An intent and a determination to hold out for the possibility of a better day tomorrow or in the future. It's about opportunity and potential being realised. It's what working alongside children and young people is all about.'

Diane is an independent consultant, executive coach and mentor. She has over 30 years human resources experience in the charity, aviation and retail sectors, and is the former Director of Organisation Development and Human Resources at the health and social care charity Jewish Care. 

'Children are our future, the life blood for our society.  Being able to contribute my time, skills and experience to an organisation that truly makes a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in society, is really motivating and rewarding.' 

Florence is the Director of Children’s Services at the Royal Borough of Greenwich. In her route to this role, she has been a Probation Officer, Youth Justice Social Worker, managed the Youth OffendingTeam at Southwark, held senior roles in Youth Crime Reduction in Hackney and run the Early Help and Preventive Service in Kent. 

'The Children's Society is an amazing organisation that puts children at the heart of everything they do. It is aspirational and ambitious to make a real difference for children’s lives. It has an energy that inspires you get involved. It is inclusive and genuinely considers diversity and how we can together contribute to transforming lives.'

David Ramsden has been Chief Executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust since December 2016. From 2006 to 2016 David was CEO of BBC Children in Need as it raised over £400 million and diversified its income base with new programming and commercial partnerships. 

‘Every child deserves a childhood where they can be safe, happy and given the chance to reach their potential.  The Children’s Society is a special and positive organisation as it brings people with skill, experience and passion together to make a difference for children and young people who really need our help and support.’