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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 2022-23 Impact Report below or download the full version, including our annual acounts, to find out more about our work.
You can access our previous reports here:
Amy joined SOS-UK as Senior Project Manager –Education (Campaigns) in April 2024. She is a homeworker based near London and leads SOS-UK’s education campaigns including Teach the Future and MockCOP.
Amy has a background in Zoology and an MSc in Ecology and Management of the Natural Environment from the University of Bristol. She has worked within wildlife charities and learned societies - most recently within education, professional development, and support of students facing barriers to progression at the British Ecological Society. As part of this role she managed a project connecting schools to nature in the North East of England, co-created an international student futures conference and oversaw their flagship undergraduate Summer School. She has also previously worked at the Royal Society of Biology within higher education accreditation and careers support; gained a variety of experience within the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, and has worked at RBG Kew Gardens as a presenter and workshop leader.
Amy has a lifelong passion for biodiversity and is a Trustee at the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.
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, Wilding Campuses 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 and engagement support with Hedgehog Friendly Campus.
Celine graduated with a BSc in Zoology from the University of Bristol, where she specialized in ecology, evolution 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.
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.
Holly completed 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.
Emily joined SOS-UK as a student staff Wilding Schools Coordinator in February 2024, delivering a programme of sustainability education to secondary school students to help bring wildlife back to their school grounds. She has now moved on to become a full-time Bristol Schools Project Coordinator with the Blue Influencer Scheme, empowering young people aged 10-14 to build meaningful connections with their local blue spaces.
Before working for SOS-UK, she worked in a primary school and loved helping children how to engage with their environment, launching an Outdoor Skills after school club and helping the school liaise with the Avon Wildlife Trust to rewild their school pond. Now studying a Master's degree in Environmental Humanities, Emily loves to spend her free time reading, walking in nature, and wild swimming.
(Pronunciation: Eh-mah)
Emma joined SOS-UK as a project manager for the South West in November 2020. She currently works on Student Switch Off, and digital communications.
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.
Eva joined SOS-UK in October 2024 as an Engagement Project Manager, based in North London. She focuses on managing the Green Impact Project and Green Campus Revolution.
Eva previously worked in a Students’ Union, coordinating a variety of student-led societies as well as overseeing sustainability projects and initiatives for staff and students. She worked closely with the university’s sustainability team to ensure environmental considerations were always on the agenda. Eva is also a fellow of the CharityWorks graduate program.
At Cardiff University, Eva studied Journalism, Media and Sociology. At this time Eva accelerated her passion for environmental causes and studied coverage of climate reporting and the sociology of human and environmental health. Whilst studying, she also started to get involved with climate activism.
Eva is passionate about everyone feeling empowered to take climate action, whether that is someone knowing the changes that can be made in their personal lives or lobbying on the big issues.
Outside of work Eva loves attending tap & jazz classes, losing at the pub quiz and going to festivals & concerts!
Fiona joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager – Wellbeing in April 2024. She is a home worker based in Sheffield and leads SOS-UK’s Alcohol IBA programme.
Fiona has a background in student support services, most recently as a wellbeing advisor at the University of Sheffield, where she co-led their harm reduction agenda. As part of this role, Fiona worked alongside NHS and third sector partners to set-up a drug and alcohol drop-in for students, as well as driving a move towards harm reduction at an institutional level through supporting with policy and procedural change. In addition to this, Fiona has contributed to drug and alcohol support in wider Sheffield through her membership of two city-wide alcohol and night-time economy strategy boards, ensuring that the needs of students were considered at local government level.
Fiona has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Lancaster University and a master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King's College London, as well as further training in Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy. During her studies, Fiona volunteered as a mentor to neurodiverse students and was awarded a student support services award for her contribution in this area. Fiona is passionate about inclusivity in Higher Education and ensuring that University is a welcoming and accessible space for all students.
Outside of work, Fiona enjoys pottery painting, reading and spending time with her two cats – Marmalade and Bumble.
Fred joined SOS-UK in September 2023 as a Project manager, helping to manage 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, campaigning and conservation volunteering experience and a first class honours degree in Environmental Science from the Open University.
Outside of work Fred enjoys running, reading, cinema, walking with his dog and partner, cooking and gardening.
Hanna joined SOS-UK in January 2024 as a project manager, supporting our wellbeing work, with a focus on our Drugs and Alcohol Impact scheme. She's based in Brighton, and has spent the last few years focused on supporting other students to understand and participate in drug policy making on and off campus through Students for Sensible Drug Policy UK.
Hanna completed her MA in Comparative Drugs & Alcohol Studies at Middlesex University, and held numerous roles, from volunteering in drug treatment services supporting peer involvement and as a member of the secretariat of the APPG for Drug Policy Reform.
Alongside work, Hanna is working to complete her doctoral research in harm reduction policing, examining areas in the UK where local police forces have adopted different approaches to policing drug laws and focusing on the policy making process behind these developments.
Outside of work she enjoys searching for sea glass with an audiobook playing, finding new vegan food to try and playing adventure video games.
Hannah (she/her) joined SOS-UK in January 2024 after a career as a teacher and senior leader in a school. As a Senior Project Manager (Development and Advocacy), Hannah is responsible for overall management of a variety of education projects, including the Green Schools Revolution, PSRB and QAA Subject Benchmark Standard influencing, Teach the Parent, Blue Influencers, and Tracked Changes, amongst others. She also has oversight of the two DfE Youth Focal Points, critical voices for young people within the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
Hannah has a History degree from Durham University and a Primary PGCE from the University of Manchester. She worked for 6 years in an inner-city primary school, rising to become a senior and curriculum leader. She is absolutely passionate about the transformative power of a high-quality sustainable education that places young people’s voices at its heart. Hannah has previously worked extensively with UNICEF on their Rights Respecting Schools Award, interweaving children’s rights and the SDGs into teaching and learning.
Hannah is a home-worker in Manchester. In addition to her role at SOS-UK, Hannah is a parent, experienced school governor, and is on the board of Manchester’s libraries. She also enjoys running along the River Mersey, reading, and exploring charity shops for sustainable treasures.
Pronouns: he/him
Responsibility: Leading and delivering the Teach the Teacher campaign, empowering primary and secondary school students to talk to their teachers about climate change and push for quality climate education for all.
Before working at SOS-UK Jack worked at a students' union where he supported students and their university to deliver on climate action. In this role Jack worked to run environmental campaigns, support student-led societies, run sustainability events, and developed a compulsory climate module for undergraduate students.
In his role at SOS-UK Jack works alongside a team of student staff to engage schools across the UK, delivering training and workshops to young people on climate education, supporting primary and secondary school students to speak to their teachers about climate change, and supporting teachers with the resources needed to hep them integrate climate into their classrooms.
Outside of work, you can find Jack cycling, charity shopping, or drinking an iced coffee in a park in Cardiff.
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)
Jo (she/her) is leading our Invest for Change Campaign, transforming how universities invest their money to secure a more just, liveable future for all.
Prior to joining SOS, Jo was the Welfare and Sustainability Officer at Sheffield Students’ Union. There, she notably led a campaign to decolonise, decarbonise, and demilitarise university systems by empowering students to have a greater voice in local and national decision-making.
Jo has an MEng Engineering degree from the University of Sheffield. Her master’s research focused on developing sustainable social housing solutions. As a student, she campaigned for fossil-free careers, education for sustainable development, and ethical procurement practices.
Outside of work, Jo can be found wild swimming or hiking looking for cows!
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, Green Campus Revolution, Fairtrade Universities and Colleges, 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 energy efficiency, food, farming and biodiversity work.
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.
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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!
Lauren joined SOS-UK in August 2024 and is based in London. She leads The Race Report UK, oversees internal EDI strategy, and spearheads our European inclusion initiative.
Lauren holds a Law degree from the University of Manchester, where she was awarded for her inclusion work at the Legal Advice Centre. Previously, she was Policy and Influence Manager at Macc, where she developed Macc's first climate strategy and addressed racial diversity in environmental charities.
She is a trustee of the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, aiming to end homelessness, and previously co-chaired the Greater Manchester Homelessness Action Network. As an immigration adviser for MRSN and through Invisible (Manchester), she supported sanctuary seekers and trained individuals affected by homelessness to become tour guides. In 2023, she served as Charity Director for JCI Manchester, leading the youth-led organisation to support 75 community groups.
Lauren's accolades include the Ultimate Northern Gamechanger Award, Northern Power Women Commended 'One to Watch,' and the Manchester Young Talent Awards 'Community Hero.' She was awarded a scholarship to attend the One Young World conference, where she engaged with other young leaders driving systemic change.
Returning from a six-month sabbatical in Central and South America, Lauren has recently moved to London. She enjoys reading, dance classes, and hopes to continue learning Spanish in her spare time.
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. She has a particular interest in how decolonisation is a key part of sustainability.
Lauren has always had a keen interest in saving the planet -through both sustainability and social justice - and really found her voice around 2017. 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)!
Lucy joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager for Engagement in November 2024. She is excited to support the mobilisation of individuals and organisations through her focus on the Green Impact Project.
Lucy gained an MSci in Zoology from the University of Sussex, particularly focusing on marine systems and science outreach. After graduating she went on to work as the Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Bristol Students’ Union, a role which amplified her love of engagement and allowed her to lead on behaviour change initiatives which supported students and staff to take action. More recently she combined her passion for the environment and desire to travel, taking on a research assistant internship in Seville assessing the impact of climate change on the Doñana National Park.
Outside of work you’ll find Lucy roller skating (badly), at the cinema or crafting and drawing.
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.
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 education programmes and advocacy with institutions across the country, and supports our student-led Teach the Future campaign.
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 campaigned for and represented the student voice on sustainability matters within the Students' Union and across the wider University in a number of roles. 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.
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(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.
Molly (she/her) joined the SOS-UK team in October 2024 and is based at the London office. She primarily works with Rachel (Head of Research and Impact) to provide research and communications support to the organisation's standalone research projects and evaluation of the organisation's programmes, projects and campaigns.
Molly has a BA in Sociology from the University of York, and an MSc in Gender (Sexuality) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She has previously worked and volunteered on research projects in both the charity and higher education sector.
Outside of work, Molly loves running and weightlifting, and exploring London bakeries to find the best coffee and pastries.
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.
Oliver Yu Hurst is a Project Manager – Education at SOS-UK. He has previously worked as a Climate and Sustainability Officer at King's College London where he also graduated with an MSc in Climate Change: Environment, Science and Policy. Oliver is also a graduate of Queen Mary University of London (BSc Geography with Business Management). In his spare time, he voluntarily coordinates an online network to connect the UK public sector on all things climate and biodiversity action. He also enjoys writing and reading eco-poetry and practicing Chinese calligraphy. Oliver is also a transdisciplinary academic passionate about social, environmental, and multispecies justice and solidarities.
Pierrick leads on delivering the Insure our Future Careers campaign, mobilising students to lobby insurance companies to strengthen their fossil fuel exclusion policies.
Pierrick has recently joined SOS-UK after three years working at York SU, first as an Environment and Ethics Officer and then as Union President. He loves mobilising communities digitally and has previously worked on online campaigns focussed on housing, student academic rights, and most recently, York’s latest successful divestment campaign.
Pierrick studied for an MBiol in Biology at the University of York and researched the impact of climate change on the evolution of Neglected Tropical Diseases through whole-genome analysis. He holds a Level 5 Awards in Leadership and Management from the Chartered Management Institute.
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.
Sonya (she/her) joined SOS-UK in November 2020. She is based in Glasgow and manages SOS-UK's education programmes including Responsible Futures UK and International and student-led curriculum mapping. She is also seconded to support the University College Union (UCU) progressing a Green New Deal for workers in universities, colleges and more widely.
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 six-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 London office, working as a project manager, helping to manage the Green Impact project.
Swetha has an Economics degree from the University of Leeds and a Master’s degree in Environment and Development from the University of Edinburgh.
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).
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!
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.
Amiteshwar Singh (he/him) is a 23 year old organiser, student doctor and writer based in Norwich, focusing on and exploring the intersection of health justice, education justice and ecological justice.
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 in the social justice movement as the Grassroots Project Coordinator for Mock COP, Medical Strategist for Centric Lab as well as a co-founder 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.
Beth (she/her) is a 23-year-old PhD student currently based in Liverpool, having joined the Wilding Schools team in September 2024.
Beth graduated from Bangor University in North Wales, completing an undergraduate and master’s degree in environmental science in 2024, with particular interests in ecology, conservation, renewable energy and waste management. Beth is now currently studying at the University of the Creative Arts, in her first year of researching Repair Cafés including clothing repair and reintegration of repair skills into education.
Beth previously worked with Undeb Bangor as the Sustainability Assistant, to support in advising and encouraging environmentally conscious and more sustainable actions throughout the students’ union alongside completing the Green Impact Award submissions.
Beth is passionate about encouraging young people to have a voice in climate action and the reintegration of nature into education through rewilding, outdoor education, and ecological awareness and hopes to in the future achieve her protected species licences and to open an outdoor learning centre.
Outside of work and studying Beth enjoys woodland walks,reading, and trying a wide variety of crafts and DIY projects.
CJ is a Philosophy & Theology student with a passion for social justice. They have a background in research and communications in policy, education and sustainability with international and overseas experience. Previously, they worked with the University of Exeter to prepare the institution for the Responsible Futures audit, which led them to greatly admire and appreciate the work of SOS-UK. In their studies, they focus on human relationships to ecology and religious attitudes towards climate justice.
In their spare time, they love to play rugby, volunteer with Girl guiding UK and watch documentaries.
Eleanor (she/her) joined the SOS-UK team as a WildingSchools Coordinator in September 2024. She is from Gloucestershire, England,and is currently studying for her masters in International Journalism at the University of Stirling in Scotland.
She has a keen interest in green and environmental journalism and has written articles for online student sustainability and green-focused political magazines.
Eleanor has links with SOS-UK’s Food and Farming network through her role as secretary of Edible Campus, a student-run society at Lancaster University with a focus on sustainable food production. She is developing this passion at Stirling as a volunteer for the university's ‘Green and Blue Space’ initiative, especially within their community garden.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing hockey, attending music festivals, and (attempting) to grow fruit and vegetables in her gardenback home.
Finlay McIlwraith is 18 and lives in East Lothian, Scotland. He has previously been involved with campaigns for Sustaining North Berwick and East Lothian Climate Action. He is also a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament where he's been involved in a range of environmental campaigns.
He's in his final year of High School and is studying Advanced Higher History, Modern Studies, English.
In his free time he enjoys reading, writing and baking, he's also a part time tennis coach.
Freddie is an 18-year-old conservationist, activist and campaigner based in Buckinghamshire, and a Campaign Organiser for Teach the Future.
Outside of SOS-UK, he is also involved with the RSPB Youth Council, as well as the international non-profit Fledglink and the youth-led collective Generation Nature, where he is part of a team working on a podcast for young people founded in storytelling and nature connection.
Freddie is passionate about youth engagement for nature and the climate, as well as language, writing and storytelling and how they can be used to inspire others and make a difference. In his spare time, he loves learning languages, volunteering with a range of conservation initiatives and using various platforms to raise awareness about the biodiversity and climate crises.
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.
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Hridita (She/her) is an international student at Keele University in Staffordshire studying MSc. in Management. She is originally from Bangladesh with diverse experience in strategic AML&CFT compliance, social media management and student auditing.
During her undergraduate studies, she worked for a non-profit organisation that partnered with universities to develop student-led social change projects. This experience sparked her passion for working in development organisations, deepening her commitment to creating meaningful social impact and driving positive change in diverse communities.
Her exposure to sustainability and climate justice deepened during her time at Keele University, where she explored integrating sustainability into businesses through various modules. She volunteered as a student auditor for SOS-UK, learning about the organisation and its sustainability initiatives through this opportunity. This experience fuelled her passion for sustainable change, and she is eager to contribute to the development sector, particularly in sustainability and education, through the Responsible Futures Programme Coordinator role.
Apart from studies and work, she loves painting, cooking and spending time with her family and cats.
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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.
Jenny (She/Her)is in her final year at the University of Manchester, completing a Master’s in Environmental Science. She is deeply committed to ensuring that today’s students, particularly those from Northern England—where she herself is from—learn about sustainability and climate justice.
This year in September, Jenny joined SOS as a Climate Action Plan Coordinator, where she helps drive environmental initiatives in schools across the North West. Outside of work Jen enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and exploring the scenic Peak District and countryside around Manchester.
Jodie Bailey-Ho is a 20 year-old climate campaigner and one of the Department for Education Youth Focal Points for sustainability and climate change. Currently pursuing her undergraduate studies in environmental science at the University of Manchester, Jodie has been lobbying for climate education for 4 years, co-founding ‘Teach the Teacher’ in 2021- an initiative seeking to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to weave sustainability and climate awareness into the fabric of their classrooms. Jodie is also currently working with SOS to review the QAA's subject benchmark standards, and influence PSRBs to better integrate sustainability across their work. 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, and 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.
Lisa (she/her) joined SOS-UK as a Campaign Organiser for Teach the Future in February 2024.
Lisa is currently on a year out having completed A-levels and will be attending Exeter University (Penryn) for Geography and Politics in September 2024. She has a background in youth climate activism and has become increasingly involved internally within environmental organisations as a youth advisor on different youth boards and councils.
She is passionate about speaking up for youth voice, changing the education system and fighting for climate justice.
She is a keen train traveller, spends a lot of time surfing and bouldering and loves speaking different languages!
Liv (she/they) joined the Teach the Future Student Staff team in February 2024 after volunteering with the campaign since 2022. She is 16 years old, based in Nottingham, and is currently studying A levels in History, Politics and Religious Studies.
Liv will be leading the political engagement side of the campaign, and she is passionate about working with elected officials to better our country.
In their spare time, Liv likes to play guitar and listen to Taylor Swift!
Pronouns: She/Her
Lucy is a 19 year old climate activist who joined SOS-UK as a CAPs coordinator in 2023. Since the age of 15,Lucy has been involved in several environmental campaigns such as Teach the Future, Save Congo Rainforest and Fridays for Future, and won the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Optimist award in 2022 for her conservation work as well as a perfect 100% on her Marine focused EPQ. She studied Chemistry, Biology and Geography at A-level and has an interest in marine biology and conservation. Lucy is a believer that young people hold a lot of power and loves working with them to create Climate Action Plans in order to make local and also wider change to our planet!
In her spare time, Lucy enjoys dancing and has got up to grade 8 in ballet, and advanced modern. She also is a qualified PADI diver and has taken part in Dive Against Debris which focuses on removing rubbish from under the sea that could be damaging to marine life and ecosystems. You can normally find her under or around the sea, sat on trains or cuddling her cat, Jack.
Mahnoor (she/her), has grown up between Pakistan, the UAE, Oman and the UK- this lived experience informs her intersectional climate justice advocacy.
Mahnoor joined the Climate Action Plan team in 2024, and is now our Campaign Coordinator at Teach the Parent. She has navigated the youth climate activism space for four years now, and has a plethora of experience engaging within this dialogue.
She facilitates workshops, and provides consultancy on anti-racism & inclusion, climate justice, youth inclusion, eco-anxiety and intersectionality; and has spoken at numerous conferences including the UN’s Conference of Youth 16. Her work is focused around supporting youth social action, and she has judged multiple environmental competitions, including for ECO-UNESCO Ireland.
Finally, she works around greenwashing and the ‘just energy transition’ with renewable energy supplier Good Energy on their youth board, and now consults think-tank Sustainability First and Ofgem on energy policy from a climate-justice angle as their youngest advisor.
Mahnoor will study Geography at the University of Oxford from 2024 onwards.
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.
Mystaya joined Teach the Future as a Volunteer in summer 2023, and has since become one of the student staff working on Fund the Future at Teach the Future.
They have just finished their A levels and are looking to progress to university to study materials science. Outside of their studies and Teach the Future, Mystaya is a freelance writer talking about about culture and environment. They are passionate about the ways that science and critical messages about topics such as climate breakdown can be communicated in effective ways that inspire action.
In their spare time they love walking in nature, learning to speak new languages (very badly), and finding new indie music and bookstores
Nico is one of the Campaign Organisers working with Teach the Future in the run-up to the 2024 General Election. They are deeply committed to ensuring today's students get the climate education they deserve and have thoroughly enjoyed working with Teach the Future on the Tracked Changes project, The Climate Education Bill, the 2022 Teacher Research, demonstrations in London, and many other projects over the last three years.
Nico is also a Biological Sciences student studying in Liverpool with particular interests in animal and habitat conservation, evolutionary biology, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Life Sciences.
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Sachin (he/him) is a 19 year old activist, with a breadth of experience in campaign and NGO work. He is based in London, currently studying the BSc Sociology programme at the London School of Economics.
Since 16, Sachin has been actively engaged in campaign work. After undertaking Climate Justice/Cost of Living Community Organiser training, he realised just how important it was having access to sustainable transport options, which led to him running a transport campaign with Brighton Citizens UK, to bring about equity, sustainability and social justice in his community. Sachin has further worked in the humanitarian aid sector for refugees and asylum seekers, both in London and internationally in Northern France. Sachin was recently awarded Activist of the Year 2024 from LSE Student’s Union for his contributions to refugee rights and sustainability.
More recently, Sachin has joined the RACE Report team, working as a Resource Developer. He is particularly interested in the links between climate and racial justice, and hopes that he can be part of the change to make climate justice organising more inclusive, diverse and equitable.
Outside of work/university, Sachin enjoys going to concerts, jazz clubs, cycling and cooking!
Shloka Murarka is a 21 year old international student at SOAS university of London, pursuing an undergraduate degree in economics. She has been tutoring A level economics for 6 years and is passionate about curriculum reform towards pluralist economics. She runs the SOAS branch of Rethinking Economics International and is the founder of How Women Work!.
She joined SOS in July 2024 to research setting up a new PSRB for economics, to regulate economics higher education courses, with the aim of standardising a pluralist form of teaching and embedding sustainability into all university programs.
Her own research interests are in studying labour markets in India, using a feminist lens. Outside of work she enjoys swimming, cooking, and collecting rare books.
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.
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.
Zeinur Bimukhan recently joined SOS-UK as a Climate Action Plan Coordinator, where he focuses on implementing climate action in Plymouth’s schools by engaging and empowering pupils.
An international student from Kazakhstan, Zeinur is currently studying Environmental Science at the University of Plymouth. His particular interests lies in the marine sector, especially concerning the Caspian Sea in the Central Asian region. Zeinur is a polyglot, fluent in Kazakh, Russian, English, and Spanish. Before joining SOS-UK, he interned with Fairtrade, led the International Students Society at the University of Plymouth, and served as an ambassador for the Next Steps South West and the University of Plymouth.
Zeinur is passionate about addressing the underrepresentation of Central Asians in the UK and is dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. He takes pride in promoting Kazakh culture and sharing its unique traditions with a broader audience.
Outside of work, Zeinur enjoys yoga, planting, and dancing. He is also passionate about learning different cultures and trying their food.
Darren joined SOS-UK in October 2024 as SOS-International membership and engagement manager. Within this role, Darren coordinates our international networks, projects and programmes, including the Green Office Movement. This includes the annual SOS-International summit and a range of support, training and development opportunities for member organisations.
Prior to joining SOS-UK, Darren worked at Lancaster University Students’ Union, where he had been heading up the Green Lancaster programme for 15 years. This was a collaborative programme of the Students’ Union, University and wider local, national andinternational stakeholders engaging students in co-created learning experiences framed around the sustainable development agenda.
In his spare time, Darren is a keen outdoor enthusiast. As an International Mountain Leader and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he can be found exploring the mountains and coast of the UK, Europe and occasionally further afield, and particularly enjoys expeditions with his family.
Amira Campbell (she/her) [Ah-meer-ah Kam-Buhl] is the National Union of Students UK President. Her background in liberation campaigns, notably the black voices campaign during her time as an undergraduate at the University of Birmingham established her as the first remunerated community organiser at the student union and led her to then take up office as Guild President there also. Amira continues her anti-racism work as a board member for BRIG (Birmingham Race Impact Group) and as an executive for Talawa; a collective envisioning the interconnected futures of black feminism, climate justice and liberated education. Amira has hosted multiple roles in arts organisations including the Birmingham Royal Ballet, CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) and Underscore; a community orchestra that celebrates music of the global majority.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Olure Kolawole Samuel (He/Him) is the current President of the Students' Union at the University of the West of England (UWE),where he completed his MSc in Environmental Health. He also leads the Kolawole Samuel Olure Foundation, an NGO dedicatedto promoting sustainability within deprived communities. Himself and his team at, the Students’ Union at UWE achieved excellence in the Green Impact Award for 2023/2024 by advancing sustainability initiatives and activities within the university. Kolawole's team actively lobbies the university to foster a more sustainable environment and holds the administration accountable for their sustainability strategies. Passionate about climate justice, Kolawole is committed to amplifying the voices of intersecting communities. He focuses on creating a sustainable future and promoting environmental responsibility both within the university and the broader community, particularly within marginalised groups.
Saranya (she/her) is a 23-year-old activist and student leader. She is currently Vice President Liberation and Equality at the National Union of Students UK. Saranya is a Politics and Sociology student at the University of Bristol, where she started her student activism by co-leading the Bristol rent strike and co-ordinating the national student rent strike movement, in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to university she was also involved in climate activism with groups such as the UK Student Climate Network. Saranya was elected to Bristol Student Unions’ Equality Liberation and Access Officer between 2022-24. In this role she led activists and campaigns on several issues concerning marginalised students including anti-racism, transgender healthcare, and global justice. She was a key voice in creating the university’s £10 million reparative justice program, successfully lobbied for investment in more specialised mental health support, and introduced £2 hot meals on campus in light of the cost-of-living crisis
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:
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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.