Meet the Team

Rachel Bentley
Director

Rachel strategically directs the global operations of Children on the Edge. This involves identifying the overlooked children living on the the margins of society and, in relationship with local partners, pioneering new initiatives to help these children thrive. 

She has been leading Children on the Edge for over two decades and does occasional consultancy work for UN agencies in the area of children's rights. Rachel has an MSc in Development Management and a Masters of Advanced Studies (MCR) in Children's Rights. She is accompanied by a mischievous chocolate brown labrador called Monty who steals most of our food. 

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Ben Wilkes
Head of UK

Ben leads the team in the UK that supports and resources our projects overseas.  Whilst he is no stranger to the words 'communication', 'fundraising' and 'strategy' and spends a lot of his time in front of a computer screen, he has lived and worked on our projects and still has specific input internationally at certain times.  

He has worked for Children on the Edge since 2000 and comes to work with his labrador, Otto.

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Emily Dadson  
Office Manager and Fundraising event co-ordinator

Responsible for the backbone of the organisation, Emily keeps it legal by ensuring the right HR, policies and procedures are in place 

and oversees the smooth running of the UK office. Emily also provides all the logistical support and management for our fundraising events and volunteers. Emily has impressively ensured that every 'i' is dotted and 't' crossed since May 2003!

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Ashley Kuchanny
Grants Officer

Ashley researches and writes all of our grant proposals in order to find crucial support from trusts and foundations. She then manages the grant throughout its cycle: report writing; ensuring outcomes are being met and that monitoring and evaluation is taking place as and when it should.  Ashley has an MA in Poverty and Development and regular tea drinking is essential to her work.  The dogs would be lost without her to play with, as would the rest of us. 

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Esther Smitheram
Communications Officer

Esther liaises with field staff and project partners to obtain the latest information about our work in order to communicate it to anyone who will listen, both inside and outside the organisation. She does this using various means, including printed material, online communications, external media and whatever else she can find to persuade people with (often baked goods).  She ensures whatever leaves the office not only looks pretty but reflects our work and our values effectively. 

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Jo Jeffers
Administrator and Local Fundraiser

Jo is responsible for supporting the smooth running of the organisation. She delivers much of the detail of a busy working office, as well as playing a key role in fundraising.  Jo keeps in touch with all the individual fundraisers and ensures that our finances are completed correctly.  As a trained teacher and all round lovable person, she is also at ease being out and about in the local area raising the profile and vital funds for Children on the Edge.

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Euan Clarke
Children on the Edge Ambassador

Euan is an Ambassador for Children on the Edge.  As an educational consultant and former headmaster, he promotes our work in schools, charitably focussed organisations and through groups of like minded ambassadorial individuals. He works three days a week and assists with marathons and other colourful events that trumpet Children on the Edge to a wider world.  He is keen on making meals fun, is called 'Tigger' by his work colleagues, and his file management leaves much to be desired.

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Otto and Monty
Welcome Team

Otto and Monty are an essential part of the organisation. Their responsibilities range from greeting visitors, to bin clearance and providing foot warmth under desks. Monty is named after our favourite chocolate company Montezuma's! 

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Meet the Trustees

Alan Finch (Chair)
Alan is the CEO of the Chichester Festival Theatre. He provides Children on the Edge with leadership and executive support through his own experience of running a large national charity

Andy Rush
As a senior marketing executive, Andy brings marketing and communications expertise to the organisation. 

Colin Buchanan
Colin has wide experience of working in Asia and is skilled in developing corporate relationships.

Mary Loosemore
As a Barrister, Mary specialises in family law and providing legal advice.