As one chapter of my life comes to a close, a new one begins with the launch of NFP Street, a comprehensive consultancy service provider for charities. Working alongside talented consultants, I will utilise my expertise in areas such as Interim Management, Consultancy, Governance, Risk Reviews, and Strategic Planning.

Throughout my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of being in the right place at the right time, learning valuable lessons and gaining enriching experiences. As I embark on this new venture, I’d like to reflect on my career and the insights I’ve gathered.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I qualified as an accountant at BDO Stoy Hayward. Despite the exciting atmosphere of London’s West End, it was also a time of misogyny and discomfort. Nevertheless, the experience provided me with a solid foundation in finance and client relations, as well as a Chartered Accountancy qualification.

I later took on the role of Finance Manager at Charter 88, where we campaigned for a written constitution, a bill of rights, and devolution. Our efforts contributed to the UK’s incorporation of the European Convention of Human Rights and the establishment of separate parliaments for Scotland and Wales. It was a stimulating environment, working alongside remarkable colleagues such as Baroness Kennedy and Anthony Barnet, and engaging with high-profile figures like Salman Rushdie. This period was filled with fond memories and valuable lessons.

Subsequently, I joined Ravenswood, a learning disability charity, as Financial Controller and later as Financial Director. My responsibilities encompassed finance, client benefits, fundraising databases, and local authority contracts. The merger experience taught me the importance of setting values and culture, as well as the need to address “soft” issues.

After six years and two children, I moved to UJIA as Director of Corporate Resources. I learned much about strategic planning, influencing people, and working with inspiring individuals, such as Lord Kestenbaum. During my tenure, I witnessed the Ethiopian Aliyah and the challenges faced by the community. My time at UJIA was rewarding and enlightening.

Following UJIA, I spent a year as Interim Director of Resources for Hertfordshire Probation Area, gaining valuable experience in project management and liaising with trade unions. Next, I served as Executive Director at WIZO, where I honed my public speaking skills and helped raise additional funds for the organisation.

My heart will always be with Langdon, where I worked closely with Barry Welck, the founder, to fund Maccabi House and support various initiatives. From there, I spent nearly four years at the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation, leading multiple successful campaigns and facilitating a rebranding to the S&P Sephardi Community.

As Interim CEO at Northwick Park Institute of Medical Research, I was initially apprehensive due to my lack of a medical background. However, we transformed the institute, rebranded it as The Griffin Institute, and established a fundraising operation. This experience was both humbling and inspiring.

Now, as I begin my new chapter with NFP Street, I am eager to use my expertise and network of exceptional consultants to provide a comprehensive service for the charity sector. If you need assistance in infrastructure, finance, HR, IT, fundraising, or require a strategic or governance review, please reach out to nfpstreet@gmail.com. For informal advice or a chat, feel free to call me at 07812343704 for a pro bono conversation.

In the words of Mother Teresa,

“At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by, ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked, and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.”