Meet the team
​'in order of appearance'

Rachel Bentley
Founder and International Director

Rachel strategically directs the global operations of Children on the Edge. This involves identifying overlooked children living on 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. 

Ben Wilkes
Executive Director

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 puppy, Lola.

Emily Dadson
Operations Manager

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!

Esther Smitheram
Communications Manager

Esther liaises with project partners to obtain the latest information about our work, in order to communicate it to anyone who will listen. Part of this information gathering is hearing the views and experiences of children we work with and ensuring their voices are heard on a wider scale. 

Esther has an MSc in International Political Communication, Advocacy and Campaigning.  

Eloise Armstrong
Fundraising Manager

Eloise is responsible for our corporate fundraising and building new partnerships with companies and brands who want to support Children on the Edge and our fundraising events.

Eloise has an MA in Social and Political Sciences and a love of living by the sea. 

Carla O'Kane
Finance Officer

Carla has worked in the finance industry since 1996, and joined Children on the Edge in 2017.

She's responsible for logging and keeping track of all of our income streams. Along with making sure our accounts are in check, Carla also makes an excellent cup of tea.

She often comes to work with her cheeky Tibetan Terrier, Tucker. And when she's not at work, she's running around after her two lively boys at home. 

Sophie Poore
Grants Manager

Sophie is responsible for writing our grant applications and reporting back to all of our wonderful funders. She also researches new funding opportunities; ensuring we can continue to run our projects successfully.

She has worked for 13 years in similar Trusts and Statutory funding roles for a number of different UK and overseas charities.

Dedicated to the cause, Sophie is dusting off her running trainers to run the Chichester Half Marathon for us this year. 

Jemma Gilpin
Communications and Marketing Officer

Jemma works closely with Esther in our Communications Team and keeps our supporters, fundraisers and donors up to date with news about our projects. She also helps to motivate sign ups to our flagship event, the Chichester Half Marathon. 

She has a BA in Journalism and eight years experience in fundraising support, charity events and communications. 

Lisa Whitby
Fundraising Assistant

Lisa has been a long term supporter of Children on the Edge and we're delighted to finally have her talents as part of the team. 

​She motivates and supports all of our individual fundraisers, including those who take on a challenge for Children on the Edge.

She's likes to run in the morning with her black labrador Pip, and has a BSc in Social Policy & Administration.

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. 

Otto has recently retired from his post to enjoy life at home after a tough career at Children on the Edge. But we still consider him part of the team and he does make the occasional appearance to check in.

Monty is named after our favourite chocolate company Montezuma's! ​

Lola
Happiness Coordinator

Lola is the youngest member of the team and joins our Executive Director, Ben into work every day. 

Her boundless energy and frequent cuddles mean she's responsible for keeping the team happy and motivated at all times.

She's yet to learn the art of self control, so we do have to hide our lunch, unless we want to share. Monty, and Lola's big brother, Otto are working on developing her office etiquette.

Trustees

Stuart Gallimore (Chair)

Stuart is Head of Children's Services for East Sussex County Council.
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Paul Suter
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Paul has been Finance Director of Harwoods Ltd for the past 20 years. He is able to bring essential financial skills to the organisation.

Helen Pattinson

Helen is the Co-founder and Director of Montezuma's Chocolates. She brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience in growing a bespoke brand into a global business.

Sarah Wickens
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Sarah brings support and business expertise as the Director of Chichester based business,  Store Property. She has been a vital supporter of our work since 2012.

Alan Finch 

Alan is managing Director of Cameron Mackintosh Inc. He provides Children on the Edge with leadership and executive support through his own experience of running a large national charity.

Walter Jones
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Walter has been a volunteer with Children on the Edge since 2012. Before then he worked in education and was a headmaster of two schools for 18 years.

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Members of: