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SOS-UK is a student-led education charity focusing on sustainability. We know environmental sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation, so our work spans across issues of justice and wellbeing as well.
We believe in lifelong learning and work on sustainability across all forms of education from early years to workplace learning. We act as a support crew - facilitating, encouraging and mentoring people wherever they are on their sustainability journey in sustainability.
We see the power and potential in students and young people to be at the forefront of change. We work alongside them as equal partners in their sustainability leadership journeys.
More students leading on, and learning for, sustainability.
When students lead on sustainability they develop the knowledge, values, skills, and competencies required to make them great sustainability leaders. We don’t just want organisations to do sustainability for students, it should be done by, with, and through students.
An education system repurposed around the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
Sustainability should be woven through every subject like a golden thread. Every student should be a sustainability student. The education system should serve as a force for good in response to the challenges society faces.
Sustainability that is more inclusive, so it is for everyone.
Research has shown that the sustainability sector in the UK is unrepresentative when it comes to racial and other social and political identities. The negative impacts of sustainability inaction disproportionately affect these underrepresented groups, both globally and here in the UK. The sector must represent these voices.
Read our 2021-22 impact report to find out more about our work.
You can access our previous reports here:
Our 2019/20 Impact Report
Our 2017/18 Impact Report
Our 2016/17 Impact Report
Anna joined the SOS-UK team in 2023 as the full-time Finance and HR Coordinator and is currently a home-worker based in Manchester. She has a strong background in accounting with over 10 years’ experience working in finance roles.
This is a new role within SOS-UK, and Anna is excited to help with her accounts knowledge as well as learning and developing new skills as SOS-UK grows.
Anna is passionate about the Zero Waste movement, and working towards reducing the dependency for single use plastic.
In her spare time, Anna enjoys gaming online with friends. She also loves reading and doing sudoku puzzles.
Beatrice joined SOS-UK as a Project manager in November 2022. She is based in Bristol and works across varied projects such as Green Impact, Student Switch Off, SDG Teach In and Learning Academy.
Beatrice Studied Economics and Human Geography at Aberystwyth University, before completing an MSC in Sustainable Development at The University of St Andrews. Here she pursued her interests and research into Climate Education and Engagement, Climate Justice, ESD and its role in 'Quality Education' and importance to breaking the poverty cycle internationally, and advocated for action, change and diversity within the environmental sector as the School Sustainability Representative.
Beatrice spent some time teaching in China after her studies, where she engaged young learners in Climate Education and Action. Beatrice hopes to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the UK environmental space, and push for curriculum change and education policies that are representative and present an accurate narrative of under-represented groups and marginalised communities.
Beatrice also hopes to influence the international space, influencing stakeholders and governments in African countries to address the Climate crisis alongside the Social crisis. Beatrice hopes to encourage more people to advocate for climate education, action and justice for all globally, and to encourage more opportunities for the girl child through this, particularly on the continent of Africa.
Outside of work, Beatrice enjoys the outdoors, experiencing new cultures and languages, cooking, and particularly loves singing, script-writing short plays for her drama group and other arts.
Name Pronunciation: Beth-ah-ny Pronouns: she/her
Bethany became a member of the SOS-UK team in March 2022 as a Project Officer supporting the delivery of Hedgehog Friendly Campus. She was then promoted to Project Coordinator (Biodiversity) in September 2022. The project is a national biodiversity program for the educational sector, which offers free support to staff and students to make impactful changes for wild hedgehogs. She is also a regular volunteer who fosters underweight hedgehogs for local rescues. In July 2023, Bethany was promoted to Project Manager and now delivers Student Switch Off alongside her biodiversity work.
Bethany graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2021 with a BA(Hons) in Architecture. Her projects focused on integrating conservation and biodiversity plans to develop a positive relationship between the built environment and nature, ultimately diminishing barriers for wildlife in urban areas. She vows to one day help create richer habitats and protect threatened ecosystems through the use of design to create a balanced environment for both humans and wildlife.
Outside of work, Bethany loves exploring nature trails and fuelling her graphic design flair. She also enjoys reading, gardening, photography and buying more plants than she has room for but that probably won’t stop her from buying them.
Celine joined SOS-UK in November 2020. In her role as a Project Manager, she works primarily on delivering SOS-UK’s biodiversity and engagement programmes, such as Wilding Schools, Hedgehog Friendly Campus and Green Impact. She has previously led on the Students For Trees programme, which supported students across the UK to learn about and take action for woods and trees, as well as developing biodiversity monitoring methodologies for our Farming for Carbon & Nature pilot programme.
Celine graduated with a BSc in Zoology from the University of Bristol, where she specialized in evolution, ecology and conservation. While in Bristol, she regularly volunteered with the RSPB as part of their schools outreach programme, as well as with the Avon Gorge and Downs Project. Through these roles, she discovered how much she enjoyed communicating sustainability and conservation to young minds, and encouraging the public to take action through education.
Prior to joining SOS-UK, Celine worked at the University of Warwick Students’ Union, where she supported students and sabbatical officers in their campaigns and worked closely with the SU’s Environment Committee to improve sustainability at the Union.
Outside of work, she has a keen interest in photography, languages and travel, and enjoys exploring the great outdoors and wildlife-spotting on long nature walks.
(Pronunciation: Eh-mah)
Emma joined SOS-UK as a project manager for the South West in November 2020, and is currently Interim Senior Project Manager for engagement. She currently manages Student Switch Off, Homes Fit For Study and supports student engagement.
Emma studied Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London, where she became passionate about climate justice, and subsequently started volunteering for the UK Youth Climate Coalition. She worked for a local authority promoting recycling and community development initiatives and later worked for the Holocaust Educational Trust coordinating their Ambassador Programme. After participating in an Environmental Leadership Programme, Emma studied for a Masters in Migration and Mobility Studies at the University of Bristol and specialised in climate-induced displacement.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys reading, yoga, and being outside in nature.
Franceska joined the SOS-UK team in September 2021 and has since advanced to the position of Project Coordinator. She primarily works in our Engagement directory on projects such as Green Impact and Sustainable Accommodation, as well as Climate Justice & Inclusion, which includes the RACE Report, which she has worked on since its inception.
Franceska holds a BSc in Civil Engineering, but her primary interest has always been in the sustainability sector, with a special emphasis on intersectionality in the environmental sector, as well as social and economic adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Her thesis focused on flood risk management and it consequences to Nottingham. As to review whether change is needed in a new hydraulic model or critical stakeholders making space for water.
Franceska enjoys her personal time reading novels, particularly by Black authors, swimming, photography, and travelling.
Fred joined SOS-UK in September 2023 as a Project manager, helping to manage sustainability engagement projects such as the Green Impact scheme. Prior to joining SOS-UK, Fred has had a 17 year career in IT and eLearning, across varied sectors and industries.
Fred is a passionate environmentalist with previous activism and campaigning experience. He currently volunteers for conservation groups including Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, as well as the 'Friends' group on his local park. In his previous role at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Fred took part in the Fund's decarbonisation efforts and led his team's Green Impact scheme efforts. Fred was awarded a first class honours degree in Environmental Science in 2022 after many years balancing part time study at the Open University with his career and other commitments.
Outside of work Fred enjoys running, reading, cinema, walking with his dog and partner, and cooking plant-based food from around the world.
Name pronunciation: Hol-ly; pronouns: she/her
Holly joined SOS-UK as a project manager in May 2021, assisting young people to create deep, lasting, and meaningful connections with the natural environment through the Green Influencers Scheme. In April 2023, Holly joined the Green Schools Revolution team to work with schools to develop Climate Action Plans, and she now also works across a range of SOS-UK programmes and projects.
Alongside work, Holly is completing her doctoral research at the University of Southampton, focusing on the consequences of Arctic Ocean climate change as part of the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council’s Changing Arctic Ocean programme. She received a Master of Science degree in Marine Biology.
Other than this, Holly stays busy with environmental campaigning and teaching swimming to young people. She enjoys all forms of exercise, trying new things, and trying to cram as many plants into her home office as possible.
Jack (he/him) is a Project Manager (Education) and is primarily responsible for delivering our Teach the Teacher campaign.
Before working at SOS-UK, Jack studied BSc Ecology at Cardiff University and MSc Climate Change at King's College London.
While studying for his Masters, Jack first engaged with SOS-UK by taking part in Green Impact at his university. After graduating he then worked for a Students' Union where he was responsible for engaging students in sustainability and climate justice. Here he supported students to run environmental campaigns and societies, ran SU-led environmental events, and worked on introducing climate into the curriculum for all undergraduate degrees at the university.
Outside of work you can find Jack swimming, watching live music, in a charity shop, or wandering around a park with an iced coffee somewhere in South London.
Jaclyn started as Project manager for Student Switch Off in August 2023 and is so excited to continue working in spaces of advocacy, outreach, and mobilisation for a healthy climate and future.
Coming from Canada, a country known for its climate extremes, the visible impacts of climate change have been what has inspired her academic and professional action.
Jaclyn is a graduate from Carleton University (Ottawa), the Toronto Metropolitan University (Toronto), and the University of Sussex (Brighton). Her love of education has allowed her to focus on environmental politics, climate change, community engagement, and non-profit and charitable action. For her dissertation for the University of Sussex, she researched how to best support non-profits and charities in climate mobilisation and advocacy. She has also raised over CAD$72,000 for climate mitigation in her home city of Ottawa and has worked on a variety of educational projects, such as blog writing for Fashion Takes Action.
The climate crisis is at the heart of Jaclyn's interests and lifestyle and she is so excited to be at SOS-UK to help push the climate agenda forward. Outside of work, she is a keen traveller and concert goer, and always happy to share a playlist.
Jade joined the team in 2012 and is a senior project manager focusing on student engagement.
Based in Oxfordshire Jade spends much of her time engaging with students across the country helping support sustainable behaviors.
Jade has a BSc and MSc in Environmental Management and previously worked at the University of the West of Scotland Student Association as part of their Climate Challenge Fund sustainability projects as well as working on improving environmental practices within the business sector for a number of years.
Outside of work Jade spends time with her family, going for long walks and getting out and about.
Jamie is the founder Executive Director of Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK). Prior to joining SOS-UK, Jamie was Head of Sustainability at NUS for 15 years. Jamie is a Director of the Aldersgate Group, a Trustee of The Harmony Project and a Fellow of IEMA. You can read more about Jamie's work at SOS-UK in this interview for Transform Magazine (September 2022)
Jasmine joined SOS-UK as a Wellbeing Project Administrator in March 2022. She was then promoted to Project Coordinator (Wellbeing) in August 2022.
Jasmine supports with all aspects of work related to the wellbeing programmes and research taking place within SOS-UK. Her main focus is working with universities and students' unions to create a more positive, supportive and educated approach to student alcohol and drug use. Jasmine's main responsibilities include assisting with the delivery of SOS-UK's Alcohol Impact and Drug and Alcohol Impact. The priority of both programmes and the work that Jasmine does is the health and wellbeing of students.
Jasmine graduated in 2020 with a BSc Psychology (BPS accredited) from the University of Plymouth. She is passionate about mental health and wellbeing. Jasmine conducted her undergraduate independent research project at a secondary school to investigate the mental health literacy of both students and teachers. Since graduating, she has completed a suicide awareness course with Zero Suicide Alliance, obtained a Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems, and she has recently become a crisis intervention volunteer with Shout in addition to a Mental Health First Aider.
Outside of her work with SOS-UK, Jasmine is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her dog on scenic walks in her home county, Cornwall. Jasmine also enjoys to create art, primarily acrylic paintings, often inspired by the Cornish coastline.
Jo joined SOS-UK in April 2022. She is based in Sheffield and manages the Hedgehog Friendly Campus programme working with universities, colleges and schools across the UK.
Jo graduated from the University of Sheffield with an MEnvSci in Environmental Science, completing a masters research project in agricultural soil carbon sequestration. Since graduating in 2017, Jo has delivered and developed various sustainable behaviour change and accreditation programmes within the education sector including Green Impact, Modeshift STARS and Hedgehog Friendly Campus.
She has a passion for wildlife and experience in the ecological sector, working in roles with the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Outside of work, you’ll find her hunting for hedgehog prints in her garden, out on walks in the Peak District with her husband and rescue dog Lily or watching the Great British Bake Off.
Joanna is London based and has been part of the team since October 2010. In her role as Director of engagement, Joanna is part of SOS-UK's leadership team, and leads SOS-UK's engagement programmes, including Green Impact, Student Switch Off and the Learning Academy empowering individuals and teams to learn, act and lead for sustainability. Her oversight also includes SOS-UK's programmes focusing on student fuel poverty and wellbeing, food, farming and biodiversity work, and is involved in Green Erasmus that aims to make the experience of an Erasmus student more sustainable working with a team across Europe.
Joanna has experience of working in different sectors in a sustainability role, including work at the London School of Economics, Greater London Authority, Forum for the Future, AECOM and other sustainability consultancies.
Joanna has a BA in Human Sciences from the University of Oxford and an MSc in Environment, Science and Society from UCL. Joanna is a full member (MIEnvSc) of the Institution of Environmental Sciences, an associate member of Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, and is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). In her spare time, Joanna enjoys hiking and camping, discovering new places, eating tasty meals, listening to podcasts, and doing yoga.
Kate joined SOS-UK in September 2022, working on the Farming for Carbon and Nature project. Kate is coordinating the development of the financial and business model for payments from UK universities to farms for environmental benefits generated through regenerative or nature friendly farming approaches.
Kate has a BA in Biological Sciences, a PhD in Epidemiology and spent eight years working as a public health researcher and teaching research methods to masters students in London and Edinburgh. In 2018, Kate started working in organic horticulture and vegetable farming. Kate worked as assistant grower and head grower on commercial farms ranging from 1 acre to 25 acres, from minimum tillage to field scale tractor cultivation, always selling direct to local customers.
Kate is passionate about sustainable food systems and regenerative farming and land management. Joining SOS-UK, Kate is bringing together her hands-on experience of food systems and farming in the UK with her time in the HE sector.
Kate is based in South-west England, near to Bristol. Outside of work Kate enjoys cycling, open water swimming, walking and generally doing things in the great outdoors.
Katie (She/Her) joined SOS-UK as a Project Assistant Wilding Schools in July 2023 as part of a wider Groundwork New to Nature placement. She is based in London and is working on Wilding Schools as part of the wider Green Schools Revolution project.
Before working at SOS-UK, Katie studied for a BSc in Physical Geography at the University of Reading, during her time studying she developed a passion for the conservation area of Rewilding and subsequently went on to focus a research dissertation on ‘the many meanings of Rewilding, and whether it is possible to develop a non-contested understanding for all’. Whilst at University, Katie worked within outreach and encouraged young people to study within the environment sector post 16. After graduating, she focused her time volunteering for a range of environmental causes and worked within the pastoral department of a local secondary school.
Outside of working Katie has a passion for trying to encourage wildlife to her urban home and planting wherever there is space. She can also be found spending a lot of time with her cat Lucky!
Pronunciation: Ked-ee-jah
Pronouns: She/Her
Kedijah joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager in October 2021. Kedijah works within the Education team on Responsible Futures and SHAPE Sustainability Impact Projects.
Kedijah studied BSc Environmental Science at Manchester Metropolitan University, which is where she found her love for environmental education through the Carbon Literacy Project. She became Carbon Literate and then trained to become a certified Carbon Literacy Trainer. Kedijah also studied MSc Environmental Leadership and Management at the University of Nottingham, specialising in climate change. Her dissertation centered around environmental education and how increasing student knowledge/inciting behaviour change can help University of Nottingham socially adapt to climate change.
Kedijah enjoys long walks in nature, photography, tap dancing and reading historical/fantasy fiction as a form of escapism.
Lauren joined SOS-UK as a Project manager in July 2023. She is based in the North-West of England and her work primarily focuses on Green Impact.
Lauren has always had a keen interest in saving the planet -through both sustainability and social justice - and really found her voice around 2017, at the same time she chose a vegan lifestyle. Lauren feels that it is important to back up personal ethics with tangible actions in all aspects of life, and that is what led her to work at SOS-UK! She has worked in libraries, Universities and Students’ Unions, driving sustainability and social justice wherever she is.
Outside work, Lauren volunteers at a local wildlife rescue - crows are her favourite creatures to care for. She spends the rest of her time powerlifting, bouldering, dancing and being tackled by her most recent rescue animal (a very large dog called Bruno)!
Manu Maunganidze works at the crossroads between education, environment, culture and diversity. He has been a lifelong vocal and passionate campaigner for equality in the civic and professional spheres. As an inclusion and diversity trainer Manu focuses on issues of cultural competence, institutional change in the context of unconscious bias and recruitment practice, and creating strategies towards better communication and partnership building. His work is always tailored to the client or group he is working with. Clients have favoured him for his effective facilitation skills as well being a responsive communicator of often difficult and complex ideas. He is adept at both one-off training sessions as he is at long-term strategic involvement.
Manu’s work has primarily been with non-profit and public sector organisations, green companies and charities, and cultural institutions. This has seen him advise and work in tandem with organisations as diverse as the National Trust, Voscur, City to Sea, The Crafts Council, Resource Futures, Future Economy Network, Bristol City Council and many smaller community organisations, and individuals seeking mentorship. His interest is in balancing the real practical pressures facing organisations with the need to pursue social justice and create sustainable solutions to meet these aims; provoking “out-of-the-box thinking”.
Manu is a fellow of the RSA and as a multi-disciplinary artist is also currently on a fellowship with Bristol and Bath R+D. His artistic practice is often brought to the fore in the creative and fun tools Manu often employs to engage groups in conversations that can often become too uncomfortable to inspire change.
In addition to all this, Manu is a director of Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Chairperson of Eastside Community Trust, Education Lead at The Global Goals Centre, and founder of Nature Youth Connection and Education CIC. Outside of work Manu is a keen long-distance runner and cyclist, writer, dad, and amateur craft maker.
Mariana (she/her) joined SOS-UK in July 2023 as a project assistant for the Wilding Schools programme, part of the Green Schools Revolution (GSR) project.
She studied BSc Environmental Management at the University of the West of England, where she gained an interest and passion for adequate environmental education for children, focusing on the importance of connection to nature and a variety of pedagogical approaches such as experiential and child-centred learning. During her time at university, she regularly got involved in volunteering at national trusts and forest schools as well as internships focusing on young people’s experiences and learning of the climate crisis, such as the CCC Catapult project.
Outside of working at SOS-UK, Mariana enjoys staying active by going to the gym, cycling or going on hikes in beautiful locations, as well as having more down time such as listening to a good podcast, journaling or watching anime.
Pronunciation: Mar-ta No-vitz-ka (she/her)
Marta joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager in October 2021. She is based in Sheffield and works on our engagement and education programmes with institutions across the country.
Marta graduated with an MBiolSci in Biology from the University of Sheffield, having done her masters project on sustainable soil management in agriculture. While at Sheffield, she held a variety of sustainability-related roles, campaigning and representing the student voice on sustainability matters within the Students' Union and across the wider University. Among others, her work has led to Sheffield University switching to a truly renewable electricity supplier (through the Clean Energy Switch campaign), the Students' Union boycotting fast fashion companies, and introducing a Welfare & Sustainability sabbatical officer position. Upon graduating, she joined a university department as an Education for Sustainable Development intern, producing subject-specific staff guidance for embedding ESD across all modules and teaching activities.
Outside of work, Marta enjoys spending her time actively, be it weightlifting, nature walks (always with a podcast in her ears), swimming, or Ceilidh dancing. She's also the first to try exciting vegan-friendly eateries, a keen dog spotter, and an avid reader.
Meg leads on SOS-UK's inclusion and climate justice work, which aims to transform the sustainability and environment sector, through recognising the role of education as a powerful tool for societal and systemic change. This work includes the newly launched RACE report and creating a progression pipeline to support people from under-represented groups to be part of the journey to climate justice. We know the climate crisis implicates those least responsible the most, therefore we are working to change that through this organisational aim of SOS-UK.
Meg is also currently seconded to University and College Union (UCU) for 1 day/week to progress UCU's work supporting members on the Green New Deal for Universities and Colleges, and to deliver on a Just Transition.
Prior to stepping into her current role, Meg was a key part of the SOS-UK education, taking on a maternity cover as Interim Director of Education for nearly 2 years and was previously Senior Project Manager for Education.
Previously, Meg worked at the University of Gloucestershire and their students' union leading on student, staff and community engagement for sustainability, this also involved the coordination of a Regional Centre of Expertise for Sustainability Education. She found her passion for education transformation through her background in outdoor education and learning outside the classroom, working with young people out of mainstream education.
Mel joined the SOS-UK team in March 2020. She joined as a Campaign manager, setting up the Invest for Change campaign, and now oversees our Education campaigns (including Teach the Future and MockCOP) and consultancy work.
Mel studied Geography at The University of Sheffield and was elected as their Students' Union Development Officer, leading on sustainability, as well as commercial and financial activity, across the university and students' union. At Sheffield, Mel successfully campaigned to embed Education For Sustainable Development into the curriculum and worked with university leaders to ensure the commitment to divesting from fossil fuels was fulfilled. Before joining SOS-UK, Mel worked at the University of Bristol on staff and student engagement campaigns in the Sustainability Team.
Outside of work, Mel enjoys running, cooking and getting out on her bike.
(Pronunciation: Mi-chelle)
Since joining the team in 2013, Michelle has held many roles across the team but now leads on development and networks projects and campaigns.
Michelle works on our climate education campaign Teach the Future, our ethical finance campaign Invest for Change, and works alongside colleagues at Friends of the Earth to run a community organising programme in FE colleges, My World My Home.
Alongside this Michelle leads on delivering the SOS-UK Learning Academy, our new learning and development consultancy and training hub.
Michelle manages a team of campaigners, project managers and student staff, supporting them to deliver great work, develop their skills and get the most out of their time at SOS-UK.
Outside of work Michelle enjoys making things, running (slowly) and visiting London's parks with her dog Bones.
Nat (they/them) joined SOS-UK as a Campaign Manager in July 2022, working to deliver a new ethical finance campaign in the Autumn.
They studied BSc Environmental Geography at UCL, where they were also the Ethics, Environment, and Operations Sabbatical Officer (2012-13). They are currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and were born and raised in Los Angeles, California. They've been an activist since 2007, and started their involvement in student unions in 2008.
Outside of working at SOS, Nat is an artist and musician, and enjoys board and video games, sci-fi and fantasy media, learning (currently: reading a lot about neurodivergence, attachment theory, and trauma), and walking a lot.
Odette is home-based in Wales and co-manages SOS-UK's food and growing programme with Tilly. Our aim is to work with students to create a more equitable food system by putting healthy and sustainable food at the heart of the campuses across the UK. This includes supporting students to set up social enterprises selling sustainable food as well as supporting food growing initiatives on campus. Odette also works with the NUS Wales team on sustainability issues.
Odette has a masters in 'Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture' and has previously worked in a science lab looking at a fungus to help farming. While at university, she ran many campaigns often focusing on sustainable fishing and local food as well as volunteering on a community growing space. Odette achieved Practitioner Membership in Environmental Management and Assessment (PIEMA), in 2018 accredited by IEMA.
While not at work, Odette can be found working on her no-dig growing space, avidly listening to podcasts about our food system and adventuring in the Welsh hills. Odette also coordinates a food buying group to give local residents access to healthy & sustainable food at a more affordable price.
Patricia joined SOS-UK as a project manager in June 2022. Patricia delivers SOS-UK's Green Impact and Student Switch Off programmes across the UK.
Patricia studied Geography in the University of East Anglia, where she became passionate about different forms of environmental knowledge and the varied understanding of sustainability alongside other environmental issues. Whilst studying she became a member of the black geographers charity and worked on improving the understanding and access to Higher education through the ambassador scheme. She then went on to complete her masters in Environmental Assessment and management.
Outside of Work at SOS-UK Patricia likes to swim and do anything in water from aqua aerobics to water parks, she loves to travel and see the world, she’s also a baker with strong interests in buttercream cake decorations and looks to keep practising. And so much more, she’s yet to update you on!
Quinn leads SOS-UK's education work, which aims to embed sustainability through all aspects of learning, from early years through to adult education. Quinn manages the team that leads our systems-change education campaigns like Teach the Future and MockCOP as well as our education consultancy, projects and programmes, including Responsible Futures, SDG Curriculum Mapping, For Good and ESD Changemakers.
Previously, she managed the Students' Green Fund project at the University of Bristol Students’ Union and delivered student sustainability engagement and education programmes at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
Alongside work, Quinn is pursuing a Doctorate in Education at the UCL Institute of Education and holds a BA in Geography and Political Science with a concentration in Sustainability from the University of British Columbia. Quinn achieved Practitioner Membership in Environmental Management and Assessment (PIEMA), in 2018 accredited by IEMA.
Quinn is a homeworker based in Sheffield. Outside of work she enjoys hiking in the Peak District with her partner, twin boys, and Newfoundland dog, listening to podcasts, and playing board games.
Rachel has worked in sustainability-focused research roles since 2007, joining NUS' Sustainability team, prior to the creation of SOS-UK, in 2011. She leads the management, design, implementation and delivery associated with research and evaluation projects in order to enhance SOS-UK's ability to be effective in its sustainability-focused work with students' unions and in its projects, programmes and campaigns across the education sector through use of insight.
Rachel has previously worked for research and strategy consultancy Brook Lyndhurst and Green Alliance. Here she worked on projects for a range of public sector clients across a range of different issues, utilising quantitative and qualitative skills to investigate community action on climate change, evaluating behaviour change and developing pilots to promote energy efficiency.
Rachel studied Geography at Durham and has a Masters in Environment, Science and Society from UCL. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys experimenting in the kitchen (which mostly works out!), complemented by keeping active by running, swimming outdoors or cycling.
Pronunciation: Ra-chel So-per
She/her
Rachel joined the team in 2014 and is currently based in Leeds as a home-worker. Rachel works as senior project manager for engagement, leading our staff sustainability awards and engagement programme, Green Impact. She also worked on our Horizon 2020 funded programme, SAVES 2, collaborating with universities across Europe on the issues of energy use, fuel poverty and sustainability.
Rachel is a graduate from the University of York with a BSc in Environmental Economics and Environmental Management and now works on delivering projects that she volunteered with as a student. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with the family rescue dogs - Stella and Ada.
Rajneet has begun her new Project Co-ordinator role for Inclusion & Climate Justice and Education that involves working and supporting on a range of different projects and programmes such as The RACE Report, Responsible Futures and the SHAPE Impact Project.
She graduated in 2020 with a BSc(Hons) in Geography, Urban Environments & Climate Change from the University of Wolverhampton. She completed an online training course provided by the UNEP and PEDRR that was about Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience. Rajneet joined SOS-UK as a Kickstarter in September 2021.
In her spare time, Rajneet volunteers at her local RSPB Nature Reserve and manages her own environmental Instagram account which aims to raise awareness of the consequences and solutions to tackling climate change.
Sonya (she/her) joined SOS-UK in November 2020. She is a homeworker in Glasgow and manages SOS-UK's education programmes including Responsible Futures, SDG Curriculum Mapping and ESD Changemakers.
She received a BA from McGill University and an MSc in Environment and Development from the University of Edinburgh. Prior to joining SOS-UK, she worked with EAUC to support universities and colleges in responding to the climate emergency. She also worked with Networking Key Services, an Edinburgh-based South Asian women's centre on sustainability programmes and led student research teams in developing a sustainable food standard for universities and colleges with Canadian charity, Meal Exchange.
She believes decolonising work and climate justice is imperative to real climate action and is learning how to advance justice in her personal and professional life.
In her spare time, she enjoys video-calling her four-year old niece as well as reading, cooking and writing (often attempting to combine all three).
(Pronunciation: Sway-tha)
Swetha (she/her) joined the SOS-UK team in July 2022 and is based at the NUS-Scotland office in Edinburgh. She primarily works with Rachel, the head of research and impact, delivering research and communications support on various research and evaluation projects, working to ensure that insights gained are helping to support SOS-UK and its sustainability-focused work with students and across the Education sector.
Swetha has an Economics degree from the University of Leeds and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Environment and Development from the University of Edinburgh. She volunteers as a Sustainability Consultant for student-led consultancy Six Degrees and also writes for sustainable fashion magazine Contemporary Fashion.
Outside of work, Swetha loves getting outdoors and exploring, travelling, cooking up new recipes and practicing yoga.
Tilly joined the team in 2016 and manages the Student Eats programme with Odette. Our aim is to work with students to create a more equitable food system by putting healthy and sustainable food at the heart of UK campuses. This includes supporting students to set up social enterprises selling sustainable food, supporting food growing initiatives on campuses and developing work around university owned farmland and edible campuses.
In addition to working for SOS-UK Tilly is a co-founder and Director of Six Legs Farm, a family business breeding crickets, a trustee for Worcester Roots Foundation, and a Director of Stockwood Community Benefit Society, a community-owned organic and biodynamic farm and business park in Worcestershire.
Tilly is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and full member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), has an MA in Sustainable Development Advocacy and a degree in Law. Previously, Tilly coordinated the Food Co-op project at Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming, and spent over ten years working on local and international youth sustainability initiatives. Spare time passions include family travels without flying, music festivals and crickets (the chirping kind rather than the sport).
boosting fundraising capacity in the Education team, with a specific aim to progress funding opportunities for the2023-24 Teach The Future General Election campaign.
Prior to working with SOS, Tim worked for more than 10 years as the Sustainability lead staff member at Sheffield Students' Union (SSU), training, supporting and empowering student leaders to achieve many climate wins on campus. These included a University commitment to embed Education for Sustainable Development in every course and the publication of the University's first ever Sustainability Strategy, whilst also being instrumental in launching student-led projects from sandwich-saving to beekeeping. Much of this was in fact thanks to the NUS Sustainability Team /SOS-UK - for example Tim wrote and oversaw two large successful bids to the NUS "Student Green Fund" which led to a step change in SSU's green work. More recently he spent two years in a varied senior management role at Sheffield-based national climate & democratic engagement charity Hope for the Future.
Outside of work Tim is a proud Daddy - or rather a proud Papa, as he and his partner are raising their daughter English-French bilingual. At nearly three years old she's already not afraid to point out his "erreurs" en français! When not found at "Fun Drum" or Woodland Toddler Group with the other tired parents, Tim enjoys singing in a community choir, long bike rides in the Peak District, a spot of wild swimming, board games with friends, and a good book.
Tori joined the team in 2022 as a part-time Project Manager and is currently based in Worcestershire as a home-worker. Tori has delivered on a range of our engagement and education work but now focuses mostly on delivering our Climate Action Plans (CAPs) project as part of our Green Schools Revolution programme.
Tori graduated from UWE with a degree in Geography and Environmental Management and then completed a MA in Sustainable Development Advocacy with the University of Worcester, specialising in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Following this, Tori has worked within Students' Unions engaging students with sustainability campaigns and projects. Tori also has experience specialising in environmental engagement & behaviour change across both the third and public sector.
In her spare time, Tori enjoys exploring the countryside with friends and family or on rainy day can be found inside playing lots of board games! Tori also loves being creative, spending time learning new creative skills and is part of her local crafting network.
(Pronunciation: Tra-cy)
Tracy joined SOS-UK in October 2019. She delivers Alcohol Impact and Drug and Alcohol Impact supporting universities and students' unions to deliver programmes to embed social norms of responsible drinking on our campuses, develop drug harm reduction policies and interventions to reduce the negative outcomes of student drug use, and build healthier, safer, more productive student communities.
Before working for SOS, Tracy worked for 6 years in community drug and alcohol services coordinating the care for adults affected by drugs or alcohol and providing training to health care professionals, support workers and students into the facts and risks associated with alcohol. Tracy has a degree in Medical Science from the University of Birmingham.
In her spare time, Tracy enjoys visiting new places, going to the theatre and trying to get out of an escape room!
Zak joined the SOS-UK team in August 2022. He manages our Invest for Change campaign, which calls on universities to make investment decisions in the interests of students, communities and the planet, not against them; centring climate and social justice principles.
Zak studied Human, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge. As a student, he was involved in a variety of climate and social justice campaigns, particularly around fossil fuel divestment. He went on to be elected as the Undergraduate President of the Cambridge Students' Union, where he focused his campaigning efforts on advancing climate justice at the university. This included campaigning for the university to end its research and sponsorship partnerships with the fossil fuel industry, bring forward its emissions targets in line with climate justice and equity principles and comprehensively review its relationships with banks investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure and other socially harmful, environmentally destructive industries.
Outside of work, Zak enjoys exploring London markets and parks, trying new vegetarian recipes, watching comedies and meeting up with friends for coffee.
Name Pronunciation: Zo-e Pronouns: she/her/hers
Zoe started as a project manager in October 2017 and moved into the role of Campaigns Manager for Education in July 2022 which involves working on our Mock COP and Teach the Future campaigns.
Zoe studied Anthropology and International Development at the University of Sussex, where her research had a particular focus on issues of social justice and she spent a term working for a water and sanitation charity. After graduating, Zoe joined the students' union at Sussex as an Environmental Assistant, helping to integrate environmental good practice and reporting on the impact.
Zoe achieved Practioner Membership in Environmental Management and Assessment (PIEMA), in 2019 accredited by IEMA.
Hi, I'm Alyson (she/her), and I'm really excited to support the volunteers of Teach The Future to deliver meaningful campaigns across Scotland. Having been an elected student union officer for the past year, I've picked up a lot of insights into effective planning and facilitation in the student movement. Huge fun fact fan, did you know strawberries are not berries but bananas are?!
Pronouns: She/Her or They/Them
Amber joined SOS-UK in May 2023, excited to delve into her role as a Climate Action Plan (CAP) Coordinator— empowering schools to rise to the DfE’s 2025 Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy.
She believes that social justice should be a focal point within climate education and policy. Before now, Amber has worked with numerous impact-focused organisations such as Global Justice Now, Friends of the Earth, and Unseen UK— assisting with campaigning, impact assessment, media strategy development and more.
Amber is studying Physics & Philosophy at the University of Bristol, due to graduate in 2023. She is currently researching for her (two!) dissertations, on decolonising physics and uniting social justice philosophies. Outside of work, Amber enjoys learning new crafts, writing prose, and adventuring into nature.
Amiteshwar Singh (he/him) is a 22 year old organiser, student doctor and writer based in Norwich, focusing on and exploring the intersection of health justice, ecological justice and abolition. His work primarily brings forward a health perspective, at the local, national and international levels. He has most recently, prior to this role, been involved with the climate justice movement as a co-founder of the People’s Health Hearing as well as of the Youth Climate and Health Network. Amit commits himself to work towards a community-led radical, joyful future that has been envisioned through a climate justice lens.
Hi! I’m Charlie (he/him), 15 and based in Oxfordshire. I first got involved in the Teach the Future campaign in mid 2022 after finding out about it online, helping as a volunteer to organize projects like the Teach In, and more general work in comms.
I’ve loved working in such a fun, welcoming environment and I can’t wait to step up my responsibilities and help coordinate some of the things we’ve got lined up for this year.
Outside of Teach the Future, I’m studying three foreign languages at GCSE, as well as music and geography, and really enjoy coding.
Pronouns: He/Him
Cory Joined SOS-UK in May of 2023 as a Climate Action Plan Coordinator, to help implement DfE’s 2025 Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy.
He is passionate about working with young people and environmental policy, and strongly believes in uplifting youth voices. Along with this role, Cory works as a support worker with young people where he supports them in engaging in new activities and building their confidence. He also has been involved with organising activism and volunteering with plant data management. He is about to start his fourth year of Ecology and Environmental Science at the University of Edinburgh.
In his free time, Cory likes to alter clothes, cook and play video games. He loves to wear things he’s made and spend time adventuring outdoors.
David is a sustainability leader and climate justice advocate leading the charge for a sustainable future in Nigeria. As a seasoned volunteer and former Volunteer Newsletter Coordinator for Mock COP phase 2, David has already made a powerful impact in raising climate awareness and inspiring action among students at his University.With a background in Mechanical Engineering and a passion for sustainable development, he's on a mission to bridge the gap between energy and sustainability through innovation and policy.
Django is a passionate young person who has been representing young people and ensuring their voices are heard for over 2 years. He is passionate about ensuring that people are educated about climate change and its impacts and how people can reduce their impact on the planet. Currently, Django is working on the Teach the Teacher Campaign as a campaign coordinator.
Outside of work, Django likes to play the piano and read.
Eddie is an 18-year-old activist, particularly interested in child rights and climate justice, and empowering other young people to make a difference. He has been involved in climate campaigns on a national and local level, helping to organise the youth climate conference LCOY 2022 and leading climate protests in his town.
He is currently taking a gap year before studying at university and is working with Teach the Teacher before going travelling later in the year. He is an #iwill ambassador and has worked with UNICEF UK and a variety of other organisations in the past.
Outside of work, he enjoys writing, reading and swimming in the sea.
Ellen is a National Organiser for Teach the Future (Northern Ireland). She is currently in her second year of studying for her A Levels in Spanish, History, Politics and Maths. She also holds a qualification in Carbon Literacy.
She has been involved in activism and volunteering for the past 3 years on a range of issues surrounding education, such as sexism and sexual harassment in schools and widening access to education. Outside of activism, she enjoys musical theatre, Spanish and politics.
I am Gemma Sarigu, and my pronouns are she/her.
I am very excited to get involved in supporting schools to create their own individual climate action plans.
I really enjoy getting involved in youth environmental opportunities through Bright Green Future, Our Bright Future, Force of Nature and Centre for Sustainable Energy. I have seen first hand how environmental education empowers young people to work together and make change.
I am going into my second year of Psychology at the University of York and in the future, I am interested in working in mental health specifically supporting children and young people in some capacity.
In my free time, I enjoy scrapbooking, crocheting and getting coffee in nice cafes with friends.
(Pronunciation: ill-sir) (she/her) Ilse joined in February 2023 as one of the coordinators for the Teach the Teacher campaign. She is studying A levels in physics, maths and history at BHASVIC, alongside an EPQ in climate migration. At college, she was elected as an Environmental Officer to the Student Union, and is one of the student coordinators of the Climate Action Society. As part of this, she has worked on promoting the Carbon Literacy Qualification offered at BHASVIC, making the canteen more sustainable, and is part of an ongoing campaign to improve public transport and its affordability in Brighton and Hove. Outside of college and work, Ilse loves drawing, taking walks along the South Downs, and curling up with a book and her cat.
Jamie is an experienced youth campaigner and leader who has been representing young people and advocating for climate justice for over four years now. Since 2019 he has been involved in the UK Youth Parliament and he currently leads the South West of England, contributing too to national planning and decision making.
Jamie has been involved with SOS-UK in a variety of capacities since 2020. From organising volunteers and logistics for the Mock COP26 conference, to supporting young people to develop projects as part of the Green Influencer Scheme, and leading global projects ahead of COP26 such as the Education Ministers Summit and Teach the Teacher, Jamie has been involved in work across the SOS-UK portfolio, as well as volunteering with Teach the Future.
Jamie is currently working on SOS-UK’s Green Schools Revolution, chairing the Future Forum. He is excited by the opportunity to create conversations between young people and executive leaders in the climate sector, ensuring young people have the opportunity to engage and influence at the highest level.
Outside of work, Jamie is studying for A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Physics and enjoys climbing.
Jodie Bailey-Ho is a 19-year-old undergraduate environmental science student at the University of Manchester, one of the co-founders of Teach the Teacher and one of the Department for Education Youth Focal Points for sustainability and climate change. Her lobbying for climate and sustainability education began in 2019, and since then she has been involved with a number of SOS-UK projects (including Teach the Future and Mock COP). Her commitment to sustainability and education has earned Jodie recognition on a global scale - being named one of the finalists for Young Champion at the Global Good Awards, being awarded the Jack Petchey Environmental Award, and named one of CIWEMs ‘Climate Sheroes’ earlier this year. Through the DfE climate strategy, she hopes that every young person, regardless of who they are, will feel equipped and empowered to create meaningful change, and that young people involved in Teach the Teacher will be inspired to go into the world believing they can change it for the better.
Molly joined SOS-UK in September of 2023 as a Climate Action Plan Coordinator, to help implement the DfE’s 2025 Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy.
Currently studying Biochemistry at Oxford University, she is passionate about redefining climate education with a multidisciplinary approach and a focus on our relationship to nature. Molly, was a UK delegate for Mock COP 28, assessed the current state of climate education in the UK and collaborated on a unified statement for quality climate education. In the future, Molly hopes to contribute to solutions to key sustainability/health issues using biochemical research.
In her free time, sheenjoys kickboxing and trail hiking.
Niamh is a 16 year old climate activist focused on climate education and sustainability within schools. She is based in South East England and is a member of the Surrey Youth Cabinet where she helps to lead the environment project. She has been involved in the climate movement since she was 11 years old and she started volunteering for Teach the Future in early 2021. Currently she is working as a Campaign Coordinator for Teach the Teacher as a part of the Green Schools Revolution project. She’s very passionate about this project and is excited to see it grow. She spends her spare time reading, hiking and listening to music and outside of work she is studying for her GCSES.
Nico joined SOS-UK in July 2023 as the Wilding Schools Project Co-ordinator to work with secondary school students across England re-wild their school groups in a flagship project supporting the DfE’s 2025 Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy.
They understand the importance of and have consistently advocated for the inclusion of environmental context in education from an early age; including topics around climate change and social justice and learning in a sustainable environment. Nico has previously worked with Teach the Future, iWill, DMK Potential, and MockCOP as both a volunteer and student staff member.
Nico is studying Biological Sciences at the University of Liverpool, with an emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity. Aside from education and work, Nico enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, writing short stories, and walking through the countryside and rural villages.
Shreya is a Nepali climate justice activist and educator with more than six years of experience in key areas including climate education, meaningful youth engagement, campaigning, and climate policies. Being a direct victim of the climate crisis and coming from an indigenous community from a least developing country, she has a deeper understanding of the intersectional impacts of the climate crisis.
She has been with Mock COP from its inception, serving as a delegate in the first phase and as campaign coordinator from phase 2 to 4. She is also an active member of YOUNGO, the children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, and has worked with a diverse group of young people across the world to champion the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making spaces. She has received numerous recognition for her work, including being named in the EE 30 under 30 for her impact on environmental education and receiving the "Youth of the Year" award in 2022.
Sofia Luna Quispe is an 18 years old anthropology student and climate justice activist from Lima, Perú. Sofia is the grandchild of an indigenous, Quechua-speaking, and immigrant family living in the Comas District. Since she was 14 years old she advocates for social justice, food, water, and energy security for peripheral areas. In 2018 she received the Civic Medal of Honor of the Comas District for her leadership in the community. Currently, she’s part of organizations such as Re Earth Initiative, Ollas Sostenibles, Latinas For Climate, and the Youth Environmental Commission of Peru representing the Lima and Callao regions, where she is also the youngest member.
Sofia directed the short film Pescando Oportunidades, which premiered at COP27 on November 2022, as a part of the grassroots campaign and audiovisual project ‘‘Life On The Frontlines’’ of Re Earth Initiative.
Pronouns: They/Them or She/Her)
Talia joined SOS-UK in 2023 as a Climate Action Plan Coordinator, working to engage and empower students under the DfE’s 2025 Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy.
Currently studying Geography at Cambridge University, they are passionate about sustainability and pursuing innovative solutions to climate vulnerability. As a committee member of Cambridge Climate Society they have enjoyed connecting and learning with other similarly enthused young people. In the future, Talia hopes to pursue academia and activism in tandem, using research to make a positive positive change.
In their free time Talia enjoys football, hiking and playing thesteel pan.
Bula Vinaka!
My name is Tamzelin (pronounced Tehm-zee-lyn). I am 23 years old and a current student at the University of the South Pacific. As a Pacific Islander, I have witnessed the effects of climate change growing up and have been a climate justice advocate since my teen years. I joined Mock COP in 2022 as a volunteer from Fiji and as such have seen the lack of Pacific representation which encouraged me to be more active this time around. I have experience in youth engagement, climate campaigning and organizing symposiums within Fiji and the Pacific, these projects include Fiji Seascapes Symposium, Pacific Climate Justice Summit 2023 and ICJAO endorsement training. I am also a current volunteer with WWF Pacific Volunteers where we organize and get involved in conservation activities multiple times a year. I am excited to join the staff with Mock COP as well as Students Organising for Sustainability-UK.
Vinaka and moce mada!
Will Wale is an 18-year-old undergraduate Politics Studentat the London School of Economics, and SOS’s Department for Education YouthFocal Points. Will joined SOS-UK as in August 2023, is based in London andworks alongside the Department for Education to listen to young people’s viewson the DfE’s climate education strategy and ensure that their voices play arole in shaping its implementation.
Will has previously been involved in the UK School’sSustainability Network, working on their input into the development of theDfE’s sustainability strategy and representing the views of young people fromacross the UK at COP26. Will focuses on Climate Anxiety and the impact it hason young people, and how youth empowerment can promote action that will limitthe impact of the Climate Crisis.
Yasmine is a National Organiser for Teach the Future (Wales). She is currently pursuing an MSc in Environment and Development at Cardiff University and holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from the American University of Beirut.
Her interest in Education for Sustainable Development was sparked during her time volunteering with People & Planet, where she assessed UK universities’ progress towards mainstreaming sustainability across the curriculum. Yasmine is also currently a fundraising volunteer at Giakonda Solar Schools—a charity which provides solar power and computer infrastructure to schools which do not have access to electricity.
Outside of work and education, Yasmine enjoys baking, exploring Wales’ natural sites, and video-calling her grandparents back home.
Emily (she/her) joined as Green Office Movement project manager in September 2023. In this role, Emily supports the global community of students and staff already working for climate action in their higher education institutions, bringing together Green Office teams to inspire collaboration, share experiences and empower new projects.
The Green Office Movement is close to Emily's heart. From 2015 to 2017, Emily worked in various roles at the Green Office at Utrecht University as well as volunteering to support the Green Office Movement and Alumni network. It was an exciting time: strong connections, creative projects, tangible impact... what more could you ask for! Emily is thrilled to be back in the Green Office Movement and to be working with Green Office teams around the world.
Alongside this role, Emily co-hosts The Carbon Removal Show podcast and HappyPorch Radio, the circular economy technology podcast. She is based in Devon, between the moor and the sea where she escapes to as much as possible.
Carole Parkes is an Emeritus Professor of Responsible Management and Leadership and has both a business and academic background. Carole has been a champion for the UN backed Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) since its inception in 2007. She is a former Chair of the PRME Chapter UK & Ireland, member of the PRME Global Advisory Committee and UN PRME Special Advisor. Carole is a recipient of a PRME Pioneer Award ‘for her leadership and commitment to the development of PRME’. She is also a board member of Business in the Community (BITC), a governor of Fircroft College, an Associate of the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI) and a Fellow of the Environmental Association of Universities and colleges (EAUC). Carole is a journal and book editor and publishes on issues related to sustainability, responsible management and social justice including poverty as a challenge to business and management.
Chloe Ferguson is the current president of NUS-USI and chair of the NUS Charity Trustee Board.
Chloe is an English and Social Anthropology graduate from Queen's University Belfast, where her primary research looked at how to have nuanced conversations about social issues in the public domain. She was elected as Queen's Students' Unions Campaigns and Engagement Student Officer from July 2020-June 2022, where she led activists on campaigns in relation to workers' rights, gender violence and climate justice. Chloe led a successful campaign for QUB to declare a climate emergency, set up a Staff Sustainability department and create a plan to become a Net-Zero institution.
More widely across the student movement, Chloe was selected as a 2022 NI delegate for the Youth Environmental Education Congress in Prague, and was a member of the Oversight Group for the campaign of Climate Coalition NI, the largest environmental network in Northern Ireland, to bring about NI's first ever climate bill.
Hazel is the Chief Executive of the British Ecological Society (BES), the oldest ecological society in the world. She has successfully led the BES for over 25 years and has an extensive knowledge of the academic and voluntary sectors. Recent work streams include development of vision for ecological research over the next 25 years, a staff restructure of the organisation and increasing the impact of the Society. All of these are elements of the Society’s strategic plan for 2023 – 2025 which she led the development of and is responsible to the BES Board of Trustees for delivering.
Hazel began her role as chair of the SOS-UK trustee board in November 2023.
Hazel completed her first degree in Biology at Kings College London and a PhD at the University of Manchester on ‘Industrial Carbon Emissions and the Greenhouse Effect’. She was elected as a trustee of Wildlife and Countryside Link, a coalition of 80 leading environmental organisations, in December 2012 and appointed as Chair from 2015 to 2018. She was a trustee of St Georges Hospital Charity from 2010 to 2017. In 2018 she became a trustee of the John Spedan Lewis Foundation.
Outside work she enjoys cycling, running, skiing and increasing biodiversity on her allotment.
Read more about Hazel in our blog post introducing her as SOS-UK's new chair.
Emma de Saram (she/her) is a 22 year old climate justice activist, Vice President for Liberation and Equality at the University of Exeter and History graduate. At University, she led the successful ‘£2 meal deal campaign’, was campaigns officer for Be the Change Society, and is currently advocating with the student campaign Shell Out as part of the international Fossil Free Research coalition which aspires for educational institutions to disassociate from fossil fuel companies. In her home town, she started up a community volunteer led repair café alongside her mum. She has worked across national climate campaign groups including Green New Deal Rising, Extinction Rebellion and Stop Cambo, and has spoken about her activism at Chatham House, COP26 and the Global Progress Summit. Emma has recently been elected as President of her Student Union.
Hannah works as the Youth Activism and Campaigns Officer at Christian Aid, project managing the Prophetic Activist Scheme, a national volunteering scheme to train, equip and empower young people (18-30) to campaign for climate justice. Hannah also volunteers as a Charity Sphere Leader for Just Love, supporting graduates seeking to create change in the UK charity sector.
A graduate of Religious Studies, Hannah has worked for organisations such as World Vision, Tearfund and Christian Aid. She is passionate about youth engagement, digital campaigning and mobilising ordinary people to create big change.
Harriet has over 15 years experience of managing philanthropic investments on behalf of trusts, foundations and HNW individuals, delivering grant programmes on a range of climate, nature and human rights issues. She is co-founder of The Hour Is Late, a philanthropic sector consultancy, and is continually learning what it takes for civil society to 'shift the dial' on complex environmental and social challenges.
Harriet is a former trustee of the UK Environmental Funders Network and a regular contributor to EFN research and events. She is an active citizen in Bristol, her home city, where she is part of several campaigns on topics ranging from pesticide use to parent climate action.
Larissa Kennedy studies at the University of Warwick with a focus on Black feminism, social justice and climate justice in Latin America and the Caribbean. Alongside full-time study, Larissa is an editor at Shado Mag, an online and print magazine that builds community between artists, activists and journalists united in the fight for social justice. Further to this, Larissa is Global Young Leader at Women Deliver, campaigning alongside fellow youth activists and advocates in 130+ countries around the world who are advancing the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women.
Prior to this, Larissa was an elected student officer, serving as National President at NUS (2020-22) and Deputy President of Warwick Students’ Union (2018-19). Larissa also brings extensive experience from the youth sector, having formerly been on the Board of the British Youth Council and UK Youth Delegate to the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Ludovico (he/him) is about to graduate with an honours degree in International Politics at the University of Stirling in Scotland. He has been involved in the youth network of Global Justice Now where he has worked in the role of Scotland youth network organiser. He also founded the local youth group Global Justice Stirling during his period in Stirling. He first encountered SOS-UK through the Invest for Change campaign that supported Global Justice Stirling in lobbying their university to divest their investment portfolio from indirect investments in fossil fuels and other harmful companies. Ludovico is a passionate campaigner and is interested in intersectional social justice, communications, and journalism.
Scarlett Westbrook is an18-year-old leading climate justice activist and journalist, and the youngest person in the world to attain an A level in Government and Politics, which she self-taught at age 13. She is also the youngest parliamentary policy writer, most known for her work on climate education, and for being a lead organiser of the British School Climate Strikes. In 2022, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of London for her work on climate justice.
Serene's passion for sustainability, diversity and empowering young people led her to SOS-UK. Serene has supported our work from its inception, feeding into the Teach the Future Campaign and sitting on the RACE report Advisory Group. As well as volunteering across SOS-UK, Serene also mentors students with protected characteristics.
Serene is currently a Consultant in the clean energy sector, with a focus on developing cross-sector strategic energy innovation programmes. Before that, she studied at the University of Leeds where she received a BEng, MEng in Energy Engineering. Whilst at Leeds, Serene occupied a number of roles in student representation. During her masters’ year, she was elected as Education Officer, becoming the first female BAME engineer to achieve this in the Union's history.
If you're interested in joining our team, please see our Job Vacancies.
Our values are:
SOS-UK is an education charity created by the student movement in 2019 in response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
We're proud to be members of SOS-International, joining student-led and student-focused organisations around the world to form a coordinated effort aiming to amplify the voices of students and influence global systemic change for sustainability.
We have separate governance and are financially independent from the National Union of Students (UK) although remain part of the broader NUS family, alongside Endsleigh Insurance and OneVoiceDigital.
SOS-UK is the charity partner of the TOTUM student discount scheme, using the donations made by students who sign up as members of TOTUM to deliver our transformational projects and campaigns.
Any wider partnerships will be considered under our partnerships policy.
SOS-UK only provides services to other organisations and does not subcontract any work to third parties at a scale significant enough to warrant an official tender process.
Any procurement we do is small-scale and typically only involves buying-in goods or services that count as overheads e.g. stationery or digital design services. In these cases, we assess all prospective suppliers against the criteria outlined in the Ethical Code of Conduct of our partner organisation NUS, as well as against SOS-UK’s partnerships policy, to ensure our suppliers share our values.
We also obtain quotes from multiple suppliers to ensure we are getting value for money whilst paying due regard to their sustainability credentials.
SOS-UK also employs a staff member to support NUS with its ethical supply chain work through the NUS purchasing consortium for students’ unions. This work better informs SOS-UK’s approach to this area e.g. when it conducts ethical screenings for potential funders or suppliers.