Our people

Oliver Haarmann is our Chair of Trustees. He is a Founding Partner at Searchlight Capital Partners, a private investment firm. Previously, he served as a Partner at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Ltd. (KKR) for 12 years. Before this, he worked for various firms in the investment industry in the United States and Europe. He received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1996 and has a dual B.A. in History and International Relations from Brown University.

Olivia Webster joined us in April 2024. Olivia has a degree in History from the University of Oxford. Previously, she worked as a Senior Outreach Officer at Magdalen College, Oxford as well as acting as a Student Ambassador at Merton College, Oxford.

Ollie Sewell joined us in January 2024. Ollie has a degree in History from the University of Bristol. They previously worked as a Group leader at a holiday camp and Teaching Assistant .

Pasha Michaelsen is Vice-Chair of Trustees. She helps organisations design and deliver social justice strategies in the areas of migration and education. She was head of operations for Refugee Education UK, which supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people to build more hopeful futures through education and is vice-chair of Praxis, which provides holistic support to migrants across London. Previously, Pasha was a finance solicitor.

Patricia Morgan joined us in February 2025. Patricia studied Applied biology at the Nottingham Trent University, a Bachelor of Education in maths and science and an MSc Biomedical Sciences from Sheffield Hallam University. Previously, she worked as a Biology teacher and a GCSE maths achievement mentor.

Penny Tysoe joined us in June 2025 and is our Chief Development Officer. Bringing over 19 years of leadership experience in fundraising, communications and strategic development within the charity sector, Penny leads the charity's fundraising and communications functions and is a member of the Senior Management Team, playing a key role to help lead the delivery of the charity's broader strategy and vision. Previously, Penny was Fundraising and Communications Director at EDT and Industrial Cadets. During her career Penny has held leadership roles in marketing, business development and programme delivery, including playing a key role in the national expansion of Industrial Cadets.

Phoebe Mumby joined us in September 2023. Phoebe has a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford. Previously, she volunteered at the charity ExVac, which began as a student-run charity at Exeter College.

Phoebe Spence joined us in July 2025. Phoebe has a degree in History from the University of Liverpool. She previously worked in charity fundrasing as a Trusts and Foundations Assistant and volunteered at IntoUniversity North Liverpool.

Piero Freestone joined us in September 2023. Piero has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Lincoln. Previously, he worked as a Sports and Summer Camp Coach at Premier Education.

Priya Chopra joined us in July 2023. Priya has a degree in Education and completed a PGCE at the University of Birmingham. She previously worked as a teacher.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah is President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. Born and educated in Sri Lanka, he is a double Cambridge graduate and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bristol. Nishan has been appointed to a number of national roles including being a member of the UUK advisory group to tackle racial harassment in higher education.

Rachel Bailie joined us in July 2023. Rachel studied Law at the University of Bristol and completed a PGCE at the University of Durham. Rachel previously worked as a class teacher and House parent.