Team

Joel Lewis

Chief Executive

Project manager, designer, self-builder, leader, friend, husband and father... In each life role I am a real mix of creative energy and practical endeavour, seeking to bring people together. 

Kate Russell

Head of Programmes and Network

I'm passionate about people, contributing to an equitable society, accessible communication and positive thinking. I’m also a skater, sea swimmer, reader, board game player and accidental killer of houseplants.

Siobhan Cunningham

Head of Development and Partnerships

Building meaningful, impactful relationships is at the core of everything I do. My experience across both the youth and housing sector has highlighted the importance of Advantaged Thinking. When not at work you can mostly find me chasing my two young children around the beach! 

Ashraf Hamzah

Head of Learning and Impact

A campaigner and a believer in building people's power to face injustice. A hiker and a stubborn DIYer! Learning and growth are at the heart of everything I do.

Ella Craddock

Programme Manager

With a background in youth work and training, I care passionately about empowering people to develop skills in non-judgmental, supportive spaces. You might also find me cycling, at a gig or singing in the choir I’m a member of.

Isabella Hart

Network and Youth Engagement Manager

In all I do, I shout about what matters; believing in people for who they are not what they've been labelled. With a background in managing young people's supported housing services, I'm committed to placing power in young people's hands. I value fun and never forget to laugh! Outside of work, catch me at a local pub, reading books or blaring music.

Rachel Middleton

Company Secretary and Executive Assistant

I am passionate about helping young people to lead full and rewarding lives. My background is in teaching, youth support, management and governance. I'm a vegetable grower, jam-maker and quizzer. I also love learning other languages.

Alix Dreiling

Communications and Membership Officer

Creative and committed to positively impact on the outcomes for young people, my background is in teaching and the arts. You can find me either outdoors hiking or indoors weaving willow.

Minee Pande

Operations and Projects Assistant

My background is in charity administration and governance. I love working in the charity sector and seeing the positive impact we can make to society. When I’m away from work I enjoy staying active and trying to improve my cooking skills

Colin Falconer

External Consultant and Assessor

I have a background in teaching, developed Advantaged Thinking for Foyer Federation in the 2000s, and established InspireChilli to support asset-based innovations across Europe and Australia (I love travelling).

Lynette Barlow

Strategic Financial Consultant

I'm a charity specialist having worked in the Third Sector for over 30 years. I'm passionate about giving people choices to live their lives how they wish. I've worked with many organisations and alongside young people and am looking forward to helping to support Foyer Federation to do what they do. Outside of work I like being outdoors, walking or gardening or reading – I read a lot!

Alastair Wilson

Chair

Chief Executive of School for Social Entrepreneurs. Co-founder and Board member of Tonic Housing and Board member of Cabrach Trust.

Sabira Kanji

Treasurer

Director of Corporate Services and Finance at SEUK, Fellow Member of CIMA, Executive MBA from Cass Business School.

Andy Ward

Network Trustee

Manager of Young People’s Services at Your Housing Group and passionate supporter of the Foyer model.

Joe Rich

Trustee

Head of Youth Voice at The National Lottery Community Fund. Former Youth Engagement Manager at Clarion Housing Group, and founder of HAYN.

Fiona Lin

Trustee

Background in corporate mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on law and insurance.

Damilaara Adeyemi

Young Trustee

Marketing and Communications Officer at Wipers Youth and graphic/web designer for various charities. Believer in increasing social mobility for young people.

Nathalie Tolmie-Thompson 

Young Trustee

Experienced Marketer, Data Analyst and Copywriter, Nathalie brings her unique skills and insights to the Foyer Federation team as a trustee determined to improve outcomes for young people.