Meet the team
​'in order of appearance'

Rachel Bentley
International Director

Rachel strategically directs the global operations of Children on the Edge. This involves identifying the 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 labrador, Otto.

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 & Advocacy 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.  

Sarah Ndlovu
Grants Officer

Sarah is responsible for writing our grant applications and reporting back to all our funders. She also researches new funding opportunities. 

Sarah is currently studying for an MA in Education in International Development.

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. 

Amy Rook
Fundraising & Communications Officer

Amy is the newest member of the team and supports and motivates all of our individual fundraisers.  

As a great example of motivation, she cycles the 8 miles to and from work every day. On the days she can't be bothered to ride, she runs instead.

Amy has an MSc in Development Studies and her cycling proficiency badge.

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 actually been at Children on the Edge from an earlier date  but their professional capacity evolved with Monty's appearance in 2011.

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

Trustees

Stuart Gallimore (Chair)
Stuart is Head of Children's Services for East Sussex County Council.
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Paul Suter
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.

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

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.

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

Members of: