MEET THE TEAM
'in order of appearance'
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Rachel Bentley OBE
Co-Founder and CEO 
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 three 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. In 2022 she was awarded the OBE for services to the protection and education of marginalised children worldwide. She is accompanied by a mischievous chocolate brown labrador called Monty, who steals most of our food and a new pup called Zuma, who steals most of Monty's food. |
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Esther Smitheram
Communications Manager 
Esther leads our communications team and 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 is ensuring that the children and communities we work with have their voices heard and are able to tell their own stories.
She works with Amy and Jemma to ensure that our audiences and growing team are resourced with communications that effectively reflect our brand, values and international programme activities. Esther has an MSc in International Political Communication, Advocacy and Campaigning. |
Sarah Ndlovu
International Education Officer 
Sarah has applied her talents to a number of roles at Children on the Edge and is currently responsible for the development of our education programmes. She works with our partner organisations to plan the curriculum and ensure effective teaching and learning for the children we support around the world.
She's no stranger to our programmes and over the years and has supported the development of our Monitoring and Evaluation in Africa and the Middle East; including living and working in Uganda. She is a qualified teacher and holds an MA in Education and International Development. |
Eloise Armstrong
Fundraising Manager 
Eloise leads our fundraising team and helps build new partnerships with companies and brands who want to support Children on the Edge.
Eloise has an MA in Social and Political Sciences and has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years. She loves living by the sea, and trying her hand at growing veg at the allotment. |
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Amy Rook
International Communications Officer 
Amy is an experienced rights campaigner who currently uses her skills to amplify the latest information from the international programmes we support. She creates bespoke communications materials to resource our team, refresh our online platforms and provide in depth updates for the press and our generous funders.
Amy has an MSC in Development Studies, and when she's not sprinting after her two wonderful children, can usually be found cycling. |
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. |
Jemma Gilpin
Communications and Marketing Officer 
Jemma keeps our Children on the Edge community up to date with all things digital. This includes campaigning and communicating the latest news about our programmes and fundraising activities via video, e-news and social media .
She has a BA in Journalism and eight years experience in fundraising support, charity events and communications. She is currently completing her CIM certificate in Professional Marketing in Chichester. |
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Lisa Whitby
Finance and Compliance Manager 
Lisa looks after all things finance, keeping an eye on all our amazing fundraising income and working with our international partners to keep things on track and compliant.
When her head isn't buried in a spreadsheet or in our database, she loves to take a dip in a sea or run with her black labrador Pip. Lisa has a BSc in Social Policy & Administration. Charlotte Callin
Fundraising Officer 
Charlotte helps supporters across our business partnerships to connect with Children on Edge and see how their support makes a difference in the lives of children living on margins.
If you are part of The Body Shop at Home you will get to know Charlotte as she supports the Ambassador programme and helps every region in the business to share their passion for Children on the Edge and have fun while you fundraise! Charlotte has spent the last few years living and travelling around the globe. She has 5 years experience in the charity sector, a BA in Illustration and is a qualified Yoga Teacher, so when she's not working she spends her life painting pet portraits or on her yoga mat. |
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Monty
Welcome Officer 
Monty is named after our favourite chocolate company - Montezuma's - and is an essential part of the organisation.
He comes into work each day with our Co-founder and CEO - Rachel. His responsibilities range from greeting visitors, to bin clearance and providing foot warmth under desks. |
Lola
Happiness Coordinator 
Lola joins our Executive Director - Ben at 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 is working on developing her office etiquette. |
Zuma
Trouble Maker 
Zuma is Monty's younger brother, and the newest member of the pup patrol at Children on the Edge.
Zuma enjoys chasing Lola up and down the corridor before crashing out on his bed for a nap. Monty has welcomed the new addition to the family with much patience and grace. |
Members of:
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