Anna is Chief Executive Officer at The Access Project.

With a deep passion for and commitment to improving social mobility and reducing barriers for young people to access quality education, Anna has spent many years living and working overseas and in global roles in education and leadership with the British Council before joining Education Development Trust as an executive director.

Anna is also a trustee in a global education charity and volunteers with a local community group. Anna earned a degree in Politics and International Relations at University of Southampton, and a master’s degree from Aston University.

Stuart is the Director of Governance and Operations and is responsible for high quality delivery across all operational areas as well as leading on key areas of governance for the organisation.

Stuart’s most recent roles have been senior positions within the higher education sector, including serving as Operations Director at Kaplan and National Head of Assessments at The University of Law.

Stuart holds a BA in Leadership & Management from the Open University and was the Open University Business School Leadership & Management Student of the Year in 2018.

Emily is Programme Director at The Access Project. Previously she worked on setting up National Citizenship Service programmes for Twin Group and The Challenge. She has a degree in English Literature and Politics from the University of Liverpool.

Suzanne is the Volunteering Director at The Access Project.

Grace holds a BA in History of Art from Bristol University and an MA in Education, Policy and Society from King’s College London.

Mel is our Finance Director and is responsible for the financial stewardship of The Access Project.

She is a chartered accountant with over 15 years of experience in the charity sector.

Mel has held senior finance roles at various charities, including The Royal Hospital Chelsea and The Adolescent and Children’s Trust. 

Mel holds a BA in Accounting and Finance.

Lynne is Senior Operations Coordinator, providing finance, HR and office support.

She has worked for a variety of organisations in HR & training roles and also spent four years tutoring adult learners in IT and office admin skills.

Sophia is Head of Programme Development at The Access Project.

Her previous roles have included developing Peer Assisted Learning and academic writing programmes for undergraduate students.

She has a degree in English Language and Communication from Kingston University.

Tom is the Senior Data and Insight Coordinator at The Access Project.

Before joining The Access Project, Tom did a PhD in philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. During his time as a graduate student he was involved in a number of mentoring programmes, and took part in a campaign with the United Steelworkers to unionise graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh. He also holds an MA in language and cognition from King’s College London, and a BA in philosophy from the University of Warwick.

Tom is Head of Programme Quality at The Access Project.

Tom has an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Manchester, and comes to us from IntoUniversity where he led the team at their centre in Bow, East London.

Beth is Group Tuition Manager at The Access Project.

She is a CharityWorks fellow, having completed a placement at an education and training charity in London.

Beth has a BA in Politics and International Relations and a master’s degree in Politics and Contemporary History, both from the University of Nottingham.

Adam is our Impact Manager. He previously worked as a PhD Tutor at The Brilliant Club and Programme Officer at UCL AnthroSchools.

Adam completed his undergraduate degree in Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge before doing his Master’s and PhD in Anthropology at UCL, examining the local social impacts of tiger conservation in central India. 

Najibah is Group Tuition Coordinator at The Access Project.

She has a background in multidisciplinary tuition (KS1 – undergraduate). Her previous roles include Management & Community Intern at British Land and MFL Teaching Intern at United Teaching.

As a former student on The Access Project programme and a tutor herself, Najibah is inspired to champion and support The Access Project’s group tuition pilot.

Natasha is the Head of CRM Systems, responsible for developing and maintaining The Access Project systems.

Natasha has previously worked within Sales Operations in the private sector, predominantly developing Salesforce orgs. She holds the Salesforce Administrator certification, alongside a Level 3 CMI approved Leadership and Management apprenticeship.

Natasha also holds a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Birmingham.

Emily is the Senior Operations Co-ordinator at The Access Project. She helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, helping out with recruitment, staff on-boarding, off-boarding and general operations.

She has a Degree in Business Management from the University of Surrey and is currently setting up her own fashion company! Emily was awarded the Overall Contribution to the Business School on Graduation Day, and did the first ever Graduate speech at University of Surrey.

Claire is Senior Salesforce Coordinator at The Access Project.

She has previously worked in Administration roles across various sectors, including in the NHS and closely with the MoD, Police, SAR and Fire Services. She is currently pursuing her Salesforce Admin Certification, with hopes to earn the Advanced Admin and Developer Certifications in the future. 

Jennifer is the Policy and Safeguarding Manager/ Child Protection Officer.

She previously taught English as a foreign language in Vietnam, and was a manager in a centre of a tuition company. She is also a Volunteer Childline Counsellor. Jennifer has a degree in History from the University of Manchester and an MSc in Psychology from the University of Derby.

Caroline is the Head of Safeguarding and Compliance (Maternity Cover) and has worked with young people in a variety of contexts, including an Alternative Provision school and National Citizen Service.

She has a BA in Dance Performance from Trinity Laban Conservatoire and a MA in Cultural Policy and Management from City University London. She is currently studying Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education. 

Therri is the Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager at the Access Project. She is passionate about creating mutually beneficial partnerships between charities and businesses.

Prior to joining the fundraising team, Therri worked at the education charity, Young Citizens, for seven years. Here she was responsible for developing and delivering their corporate partnerships strategy.

Therri has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Bristol.

Abi has a MSc in Gender and Sexuality Studies from LSE, and a BA in History from the University of Cambridge. At university, Abi developed a strong passion for social justice and took part in a mentoring programme for offer-holding students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Alison is the Corporate Partnerships Manager. She develops and maintains partnerships with companies to secure income for the organisation, and engages corporate staff to support young people through volunteering.

Prior to joining the Partnerships team, Alison has had a variety of experience in frontline retail sales roles and most recently was a key member of the buying team for the charity PDSA, during which she gained experience of building effective internal and external relationships in order to drive the income of the bought-in new goods range.

Alison has a BA in History with History of Art & Design from the University of Wolverhampton.

Oliver is our Digital Communications Officer. He assists the fundraising and communications team with content creation, copywriting, and operating digital channels.

Oliver has a keen interest in music journalism. He is enthusiastic about liberation and advocacy campaigning, previously working in communications at a students’ union and as LGBT+ reporter at his local newspaper.

Melanie is our Communications Manager. Melanie has worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, spending most of this time working for charities supporting children and young people, including Girlguiding and Coram Voice. Melanie’s background is in communications and marketing, and she’s never happier than when writing copy and telling stories!

Melanie has a BA in English from Southampton University and enjoys creative writing, performing and singing in her spare time.

Joe is our Senior Trusts and Major Donors Manager. His background is in international development in which he worked on access to education and health programmes, leveraging investment from The World Bank, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, USAID and European Union across South Sudan, Sudan, Lesotho and the Horn of Africa.

Joe has been associated with The Access Project since October 2022, originally as a consultant supporting research for our corporate income stream, and interim cover for university partnerships before being appointed to his current role.

Joe holds an MA (Hons) in Modern History from The University of St Andrews and a Post Graduate Diploma in Vocal Studies from the Royal College of Music.

Amy is a Senior University Access Officer at The Access Project.

Amy has a BA in Politics with International Relations from the University of York, and recently completed an MA in Applied Human Rights.

She previously volunteered as a Mentor at Refugee Action York, supporting her mentee through the University application process. In past jobs, she has led volunteers to deliver human rights workshops in schools and has worked on a project at the University of York on access to university and scholarships for people seeking asylum.

Amy has also worked with organisations such as the York Human Rights City Network and the York Poverty Truth Commission as a researcher.

Farena is a Senior University Access Officer based in West Yorkshire.

Farena completed her Combined Honours degree in Archaeology and Sociology from the University of Liverpool. After that she was awarded a museum traineeship at Bradford Museums and Galleries. As part of her traineeship, Farena completed her Masters in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester.

She continued her career in museums as an Education Assistant at Harrogate Museums and Arts. After a career break, Farena retrained as a primary school teacher and has worked in various Bradford schools. In her spare time Farena enjoys writing and illustrating children’s books.

Rachel is the Deputy Programme Director at The Access Project.​ Prior to this, Rachel was Senior Programme Manager (non-London).​

Rachel’s former career was as an English teacher for 13 years. During that time she was Achievement Leader for Year 11 and completed the NCSL Leadership Pathways qualification. Rachel holds a PGCE in English from The University of Nottingham and obtained a degree in Literature, Life and Thought from Liverpool John Moores University.

Chloe is the Senior Programme Officer for University Events and Online Tuition .

Before joining The Access Project, Chloe went to Cardiff University to study Sociology at Undergraduate degree for 3 years, then moved to London to study Social Research at Masters level where she wrote her research dissertation on the changing educational landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic and how this impacted young people from different socio-economic backgrounds. She used to be an assistant manager of a tuition centre in East London, and before this was an English and Maths tutor.

Lucy Davies is a London Programme Manager for The Access Project.

Lucy is an experienced tutor and mentor and has worked with and for young people through various charities and NGOs worldwide. Access and inclusion have always been at the centre of their work, whether conducting interviews on education policy, advocating for the social impact of the arts, or researching experiences of embodiment for LGBTQIA+ dancers.

Lucy holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy & Theology from the University of Oxford, and a masters in Social Anthropology from SOAS, University of London.

Ellie is the University Access Officer at Bishop Douglass and Hornsey School for Girls.

She has a degree in Sociology and History from the University of Liverpool. She has moved to this job from Liverpool after working for a charity that supported women back into job search and employment for 3 years.

Suha is a University Access Officer based in London.

She graduated from University of Bath in International Development with Economics, a course that grew her passion for reducing inequality.

During her studies she took part in various youth work roles such as Team Leader for NCS and leading Skill Booster Sessions for college students with Learn by Design. She also worked as an Assistant Camp Leader for the HAF program, which is geared toward providing children on Free School Meals with hot meals and activities with aims of keeping them active and learning during school holidays.

Klara is a University Access Officer at The Access Project .

Her previous roles have included working as a Teaching Assistant in Media Studies supporting Sixth Form students.

She has a degree in Film and Theatre from The University of Bristol.

Will is a North Programme Manager at The Access Project.

His previous roles include time spent as a part time volunteer tutor for a refugee charity, as well as a placement in Kenya where he delivered a series of social mobility programmes. Most recently he worked for international young person’s education charity Never Such Innocence, managing the organisation’s international education programme and creative arts competition that invited young people to reflect on conflict.

Will holds a degree in Human Geography from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Safia is a Senior University Access Officer based in the West Midlands.

Before joining The Access Project, Safia worked in the pastoral department of a Sixth Form College, supporting a caseload of 150 students to achieve their goals by holding meetings, assisting with UCAS applications, and delivering tutorials centered around personal development. Prior to this, Safia’s previous roles include volunteering as a sex education workshop facilitator for Sexpression and as a mental health worker in India.

Safia holds a BSc in Psychology in Education from the University of York.

Fahima currently works as a University Access Officer at Ark Globe Academy and City of London Academy Islington.

Fahima graduated from SOAS with a BA in Politics and she has worked at a tuition centre for the past four years teaching English.

As a former student of The Access Project, Fahima recognises the value of programmes like this in helping students who have fewer opportunities to access higher education. Working at The Access Project she can help students like herself get into university with confidence.

Clare is a University Access Officer in the East Midlands.

She has worked as a teacher and translator in France, Ecuador, Spain, Indonesia, Finland and the UK. She is also a trained Mindfulness Instructor. Recently she has volunteered at Nottingham Refugee Forum. Clare holds a degree in French and International Relations from the University of Reading.

Ruby is a London Programme Manager at The Access Project.

She has previously held delivery and project management roles in education charities. She has a degree in English and French from the University of Leeds, and in her spare time likes to read menus of restaurants she may or may not go to.

Gracie is a University Access Officer in two schools in London.

She has a BA in History and Politics from Durham University and an MA in Iranian Studies from SOAS, University of London. She has previously worked in Diversity and Inclusion and in tutoring.

Rubinder is our Head of Online Tuition at The Access Project.

In her previous role, Rubinder acted as a leadership coach and mentor for qualifying and newly qualified teachers.

Rubinder holds a PGCE in Mathematics from the University of Nottingham and obtained a degree in Economics and Management from Aston University.

Susanna is our Senior Tuition and Events Officer.

Before joining The Access Project, Susanna achieved a BA in British Sign Language and Educational Linguistics at York St. John University. She is currently continuing her studies, undertaking a part-time Masters of Research in Applied Linguistics. Her research interests cover language and policy, specifically within the context of British Sign Language as a linguistic minority.

Her previous roles include youth work and acting as a teaching assistant on supply. She also has experience working in the charity sector and volunteers on multiple university committees. In her spare time, Susanna enjoys knitting and collecting vintage novels.

Siobhan is a Senior University Access Officer.

Prior to joining The Access Project, Siobhan worked in various roles in the Charity and Higher Education sectors including for the British Heart Foundation and the University of Warwick. She is committed to supporting widening participation and reducing social inequality and has volunteered for a Youth Charity that provides holistic support to disadvantaged teenagers.

She holds a First-Class degree in English Literature.

Previously Dan worked as Education Operations Manager for Business in the Community before working as a History and Government and Politics teacher. He taught for 7 years at Drapers’  Academy in Havering before spending 4 years as a Houseparent in a state boarding school in Surrey.

Dan has an Undergraduate degree in Archaeology and a Postgraduate degree in Heritage Education and Interpretation from the University of Newcastle.

Marcella is a Senior University Access Officer and Mental Health First Aider based in London.

She holds a BA in Politics and East European Studies from UCL, and recently completed an MSc in Social Policy and Social Research at the Institute of Education. Before joining The Access Project, Marcella worked as a youth mentor and programme administrator for NCS. She also spent a year working as a content writer and user researcher for a startup, developing a women’s safety app. She volunteers as a mentor for LGBTQ+ youth in London.

Holly is the University Access Officer at George Green’s School in London.

She is an English graduate from the University of Cambridge. During her time at university, Holly was a member of her college Access Committee and worked to encourage a broader range of students to apply to Cambridge, and to break down barriers faced by students within the university itself. She has also previously volunteered as a tutor and as a mentor for vulnerable young people.

Parvathi Sajiv is a University Access Officer in the East Midlands.

Parvathi has a BA in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, from Symbiosis International University, India, and recently completed an MSc in Psychology from the University of Nottingham.

She previously worked in an early-stage ed-tech startup focused on making business education more accessible to individuals. In the past year, she worked as a Listening Volunteer with a focus on academic stress, and relationships. Additionally, she also worked as a research assistant at the University of Nottingham on online dating and relationships.

Claire is a University Access Officer at The Access Project. Previously Claire has worked as an English Teacher in Thailand and on climate change policy and pre-employment programmes in Local Government. Claire has a degree in Geography from the University of Manchester.

Michaela is the Volunteering Experience Manager at The Access Project.

She has previously worked in a similar role for a charity helping young offenders to resettle in the community upon release from prison and ultimately reduce re-offending.

Michaela has a BSc in Criminology and Sociology from Royal Holloway University of London.

Annika is a Volunteer Experience Coordinator.

She previously taught literature & languages in secondary schools in England and Germany and was involved in teacher training projects at the University of Bamberg and the Goethe Institute Paris.

Volunteering has offered Annika many enriching experiences: after completing a European voluntary service programme in Hungary, she trained volunteers for an intercultural youth charity and worked with refugees in language learning projects for several years.

Annika holds a degree in German, French and Education from the University of Bamberg and a PGCE from University College London.

Harry is the Head of Volunteer Recruitment at The Access Project. He leads on recruiting volunteers, so we can continue to provide young people with our highly impactful tutoring.

Prior to joining The Access Project, Harry spent a number of years working within the charity sector in roles focused on volunteer management, international volunteering and community development. He has joined us from Student Hubs, where he developed an approach to embedding volunteering within different academic courses at Kingston University. He has specialised in widening participation and reducing barriers to engagement for volunteers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Harry has a BSc in Psychology from the University of Greenwich, and started his career as an elected officer with Greenwich Union of Students.

Mary is the Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator at The Access Project. She has worked and volunteered with numerous charities.

Since returning to the UK from New Zealand, she was working with the Alzheimer’s Society as Side by Side Coordinator where she managed and coordinated the volunteers. Prior to this she also worked in education supporting students with their Career & Progression options.