Our leadership team
Michael Flack, Chief Executive Officer
Michael Flack, Chief Executive Officer
Michael Flack, Chief Executive Officer
Expertise and experience
As CEO, Mike brings a unique perspective to the financial literacy sector. Following a career in the media and film industry, Mike transitioned into education in early 2018, quickly moving into leadership roles. He previously served as Head of Media & Film at DLD College London, Joint Assistant Head of Sixth Form
Expertise and experience
As CEO, Mike brings a unique perspective to the financial literacy sector. Following a career in the media and film industry, Mike transitioned into education in early 2018, quickly moving into leadership roles. He previously served as Head of Media & Film at DLD College London, Joint Assistant Head of Sixth Form and Post-16 Progression Advisor at Portland Place School.
Mike has proven track record and is dedicated to inclusive education, having gathered experience supporting neurodiverse learners and EAL students within mainstream education. Today, he leads WizeUp’s mission to equip young people with the essential life skills and financial confidence required for independent living.
Education
MA Global Film and Television, University of Hertfordshire
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), University
of Buckingham
Film-making Diploma, London Film Academy
"Financial education is vital. Having seen how easily young people can fall into cycles of debt due to a lack of confidence, I want to ensure WizeUp provides the tools they need to stay ahead. I know how difficult it is for teachers and parents to deliver detailed financial literacy alone. That’s why our workshops are designed to be adaptable, inclusive, and impactful — empowering students, especially those aged 16–18, to navigate their futures with confidence and long-term independence."
Ed Flack, President and Founder
Michael Flack, Chief Executive Officer
Michael Flack, Chief Executive Officer
Expertise and experience
Ed initially trained as a teacher but moved into banking and financial markets until he retired in 2011. He started his career with HSBC, Handelsbanken and ING , before becoming Director of Corporate Treasury and Investment for Deutsche Postbank. He also worked in Singapore as Treasurer for BHF bank and specialis
Expertise and experience
Ed initially trained as a teacher but moved into banking and financial markets until he retired in 2011. He started his career with HSBC, Handelsbanken and ING , before becoming Director of Corporate Treasury and Investment for Deutsche Postbank. He also worked in Singapore as Treasurer for BHF bank and specialised in foreign exchange, money markets and derivatives.
After he retired from the City, Ed founded WizeUp, a not-for-profit enterprise, before converting to charity status in 2020. The idea came from his experience of the financial trials and tribulations of his own children as they moved through adolescence and into adulthood. Ed still enjoys delivering school sessions and sharing his extensive knowledge of finances to young people.
Education
BSc Maths and Natural Sciences (First class), Open University
“As a parent I saw first hand how ill prepared my kids were for independent living. As the founder of WizeUp, I did what I could to ensure future generations had the opportunity to makes better decisions around money.”
Our trustees
Alan Walters (Chair)
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Alan Walters (Chair)
Experience and expertise
Alan has worked in and around the paper industry for his entire career, with the majority of that time spent with Wiggins Teape.
Alan was responsible for production, operational logistics, systems and applications, in both the UK and Europe. He finally oversaw corporate project management as Director, both in the UK and Europe.
"Whatever the future may hold, it remains our ongoing mission to give young people the essential financial skills needed for adult life."
Derek Stew
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Alan Walters (Chair)
Experience and expertise
Derek spent his career working for BT which saw him initially qualify as a telecommunication engineer, before moving into procurement, leading a team of pricing specialists negotiating large supply contracts. This lead to his membership of the Corporate Institute of Purchasing and Supply. He then headed up a team of experts on process re-engineering, delivering major cost and time savings for the installation of the external network.
Since retiring in 1998, Derek has been involved with the voluntary sector, as a classroom assist in a local primary school and a study assistant in the West Ham United Football Club Learning Zone, providing years 6 and 7 lesson on numeracy, literacy and IT. He has been a WizeUp trustee since 2020.
Education
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (First class), University of East London
Corporate Institute of Purchasing and Supply member
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Experience and expertise
Currently Public Affairs Lead at Chanel, Saskia has a wealth of experience drawn from senior policy roles at the British Copyright Council (BCC), the National Literacy Trust and the British Psychological Society. As policy lead, she oversaw the BPS’ Psychological Government workstream which examined decision-making processes in government.
Saskia has also held several positions at Prospect magazine, including Head of Research and Political Engagement, overseeing the magazine’s significantly expanded political activities such as their flagship industrial strategy and financial inclusion programmes, leading on the international expansion of the annual Think Tank Awards, and developing ongoing relationships across government.
Education
MSc International Public Policy, University College London
MSc Literature and Modernity, University of Edinburgh
BA (Hons) English Literature, Thompson Rivers University, Canada
Gemma Dunbar
Gemma Dunbar
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Expertise and experience
Gemma began her career in events and trust fundraising before moving into grant-making, giving her a rounded understanding of how charitable funds are raised, managed and strategically distributed. Gemma spent more than 12 years at the Jack Petchey Foundation, where she held a range of senior roles and led new STEM, employability and financial education initiatives.
As a trustee, Gemma brings substantial governance experience, serving as Vice Chair of South Farnham Educational Trust and as Chair of Governors at Highfield South Farnham School. She has also been a ChildLine counsellor, a panel member for her local Youth Offending Team, and now serves as a Magistrate in the adult and youth courts in South West London. She is also involved in the school based community programme ‘Magistrates in the Community’ as a presenter, talking to young people about the judiciary.
Education
BA Hons in Modern History, Balliol College, Oxford University
"As a Trustee, I am delighted to support the incredible efforts of the Wize Up Financial Education Team in equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to make informed, responsible financial decisions. I believe good financial education as a young person leads to increased opportunities and strengthens long-term life chances. "
Elma Morris
Gemma Dunbar
Elma Morris
Expertise and experience
Elma has over 30 years of Corporate Finance and Structured Debt experience in the real estate, oil and gas and retail industries, as the European Treasurer for Lendlease, as Group Treasurer at Canary Wharf Group, as Director of Structured Debt/Corporate Finance at Tesco and as a Property Finance Consultant.
Prior to finding her niche in Treasury, Elma undertook a number of roles in finance including budgeting, economic and strategic planning and joint venture accounting. However, her very first steps into the world of work, were as a computer programmer and systems analyst.
Although most of her career has been based in London, she also spent two years working in Dubai in the 1980s while in the oil and gas industry.
Education
MSc in Economics, Birkbeck University of London
MBA Surrey European School of Management
Fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers
"Throughout my career, I have always taken a strong interest in developing teams and I have mentored and coached many individuals. Joining Wizeup as a Trustee gives me the opportunity to continue to help people to grow".
Lee Giles
Gemma Dunbar
Elma Morris
Expertise and experience
Lee is an operations, communication, and management specialist with extensive experience in the education, charity and utility sectors. Currently serving as the Reporting and Assurance Manager for Wessex Water, he brings a meticulous, analytical approach to organizational governance and strategic oversight. Formerly WizeUp’s Head of UK Mainstream Programme, he successfully managed relationships with national funding partners and exceeded growth targets.
His background as a director and operations manager in the charity sector, combined with his first-class degree in Education Studies, allows him to provide expert guidance on WizeUp’s mission and impact.
Education
BA (Hons) Education Studies (First class), Bath Spa University
Level 3 Adult Education and Training, Britannia Education Group
"Having seen the impact of our workshops first-hand, I am committed to using my varied experience to ensure that WizeUp reaches every young person who needs us."
Our team
Laura Flynn, PRU and SEND Lead
Sophia Mousoulides, Head of London & Essex Mainstream Programmes
Sophia Mousoulides, Head of London & Essex Mainstream Programmes
Expertise and experience
Laura has a wealth of experience in mentoring where she received the National Mentor of the Year award from Career Ready, a social mobility charity with 5,000 mentors.
She is the former COO of City University School of Arts and Social Sciences.
She is currently an Education Coach with Innerscope and Programme Dire
Expertise and experience
Laura has a wealth of experience in mentoring where she received the National Mentor of the Year award from Career Ready, a social mobility charity with 5,000 mentors.
She is the former COO of City University School of Arts and Social Sciences.
She is currently an Education Coach with Innerscope and Programme Director of the North Star Programme. She has extensive experience working with students with additional needs relating to challenging behaviour and leads our SEND and PRU programme.
Education
MSc Voluntary Sector Management, Bayes Business School
Youth Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Foundation
Sophia Mousoulides, Head of London & Essex Mainstream Programmes
Sophia Mousoulides, Head of London & Essex Mainstream Programmes
Sophia Mousoulides, Head of London & Essex Mainstream Programmes
Expertise and experience
Sophia is a social mobility advocate and has over 20 years’ experience working in higher education and the charity sector, with expertise and passion for assisting young people reach their potential.
Prior to working with WizeUp, she was the Pre-16 Partnership Manager in the Schools and Colleges team at University
Expertise and experience
Sophia is a social mobility advocate and has over 20 years’ experience working in higher education and the charity sector, with expertise and passion for assisting young people reach their potential.
Prior to working with WizeUp, she was the Pre-16 Partnership Manager in the Schools and Colleges team at University of East London and has held positions in Widening Participation teams at the London School of Economics, and City St Georges (formally City University London). She has a wealth of experience in delivering workshops to young people from primary school age upwards, as well as in project management, partnership building, and boosting employability.
Education
BSc (Hons) Psychology, City University London
“I’m driven to support young people make informed decisions about their futures. Financial education is key to ensuring that all young people flourish.”
Katharine Matthews, Head of Programme (North East)
Sophia Mousoulides, Head of London & Essex Mainstream Programmes
Katharine Matthews, Head of Programme (North East)
Expertise and experience
Having trained as a Secondary English teacher in 2007, Katharine quickly rose into middle management positions to oversee student progress, exam intervention and A Level English Literature, later coordinating whole school literacy strategies and delivery.
After 15 years in education, she left teaching to start a f
Expertise and experience
Having trained as a Secondary English teacher in 2007, Katharine quickly rose into middle management positions to oversee student progress, exam intervention and A Level English Literature, later coordinating whole school literacy strategies and delivery.
After 15 years in education, she left teaching to start a family and a business in marketing consultancy and copywriting. Katharine joined WizeUp in 2024; since then, she has created the Primary Programme for the North East, developing it for our associates to launch nationally. This was delivered alongside the children’s book she wrote and produced for WizeUp, Wilbur’s Wintry Wisdom.
Education
Master of Arts (MA), Global Film and Television, University of Glasgow PGCE Secondary English, Oxford Brookes University
BA (Hons) English Studies, University of Stirling
"Having left teaching with no savings and no deeper knowledge of money management beyond the basic, whilst also starting a family, I learned the importance of solid financial literacy the hard way. Being able to instil crucial life skills and key financial knowledge in young people before they enter adulthood is something close to my heart; that way they can have steady and secure futures and not have to worry as much when bigger responsibilities and challenges come along."
Kate Lee, Head of Programme (South West)
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Katharine Matthews, Head of Programme (North East)
Expertise and experience
A former Head of Department with over 12 years' classroom experience, Kate has worked in education throughout her career. In senior roles in Edtech, educational publishing and for the exam board AQA, she's produced engaging teaching and learning resources and digital tools to support students and teachers.
A liter
Expertise and experience
A former Head of Department with over 12 years' classroom experience, Kate has worked in education throughout her career. In senior roles in Edtech, educational publishing and for the exam board AQA, she's produced engaging teaching and learning resources and digital tools to support students and teachers.
A literacy and oracy specialist, she's also been involved in initial teacher education as a mentor and tutor, and regularly presented at teaching conferences. Alongside her work with WizeUp, she loves teaching English to KS3-5 students.
Education
BA (Hons) English General Honours, University of Birmingham
PGCE (PC), Institute of Education, University College London
CELTA, GEOS Academy
Mental Health First Aider, Mental Health Foundation
"I'm passionate about all forms of literacy as a way of closing the disadvantage gap, including developing students’ financial literacy skills."
Jim Rastall, Head of Programme (North-West)
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Expertise and experience
With 20+ years of experience in the arts and business, Jim’s varied career has allowed him both to tread the boards and present to the board room. He’s acted alongside household names and Oscar nominees; had plays produced at the Edinburgh Festival, London’s West End, and even a Palace or two; and his facilitatio
Expertise and experience
With 20+ years of experience in the arts and business, Jim’s varied career has allowed him both to tread the boards and present to the board room. He’s acted alongside household names and Oscar nominees; had plays produced at the Edinburgh Festival, London’s West End, and even a Palace or two; and his facilitation career has taken him beyond the world of theatre to schools, charities and blue chip organisations including LVMH, Three and Accenture. He’s delighted to use his presenting experience to further WizeUp’s vital mission.
His own financial education started at age 6 when his grandad taught him about compound interest by drawing sums on the back of a napkin. Since then he's been an avid saver and investor, and is passionate about helping young people understand how to reach their financial goals.
Education
BA (Hons) English and Classical Civilisation, University of Nottingham
BA (Hons) Professional Acting, The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Diploma in Transformational Coaching, Animas Centre for Coaching
"Einstein called compounding one of the strongest forces in the universe. To understand this is to understand how anyone and everyone can achieve financial freedom, given the right information early enough."
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Expertise and experience
Mel is an enthusiastic public speaker and presenter, with a background in acting, who has helped young people across the country find their voice, gain confidence and learn to speak with passion.
Her favourite part in presenting is having fun, whilst also making a life-changing impact on young people's lives.
Education
BA (Hons) Film Studies, De Montfort University
Samina Kiyani, Associate (London)
Emma Gilbert, Associate (North West)
Luisa Guerreiro, Associate (London)
Expertise and experience
Samina is a careers and professional development trainer with over 30 years of experience in the media and screen industries as a presenter and journalist. She has honed her skills in live TV, news, current affairs, entertainment, documentaries, and events.
She also runs a media consultancy delivering communicatio
Expertise and experience
Samina is a careers and professional development trainer with over 30 years of experience in the media and screen industries as a presenter and journalist. She has honed her skills in live TV, news, current affairs, entertainment, documentaries, and events.
She also runs a media consultancy delivering communication and media training to businesses and charities, alongside employability programmes for entry-level and mid-career professionals, equipping them with the skills, insight and strategies needed to build sustainable careers in TV, film and the wider creative industries.
She is a passionate advocate for driving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and believes that we all have the opportunity to influence and lead real change.
Education
BA (Hons), University of East London
"It's is vital that young people from all backgrounds have access to financial education, as it builds knowledge, confidence and contributes to democratising opportunity."
Luisa Guerreiro, Associate (London)
Emma Gilbert, Associate (North West)
Luisa Guerreiro, Associate (London)
Expertise and experience
With experience as a teaching assistant, workshop leader and facilitator, young person’s theatre practitioner and former choreographer / movement advisor for CBBC programmes, Luisa brings a rich history and understanding of working and connecting with young people of different ages and varied backgrounds, and is p
Expertise and experience
With experience as a teaching assistant, workshop leader and facilitator, young person’s theatre practitioner and former choreographer / movement advisor for CBBC programmes, Luisa brings a rich history and understanding of working and connecting with young people of different ages and varied backgrounds, and is passionate about inclusion in mainstream and alternative education. She has also worked with Future First, delivering presentations and talks on careers and paths into further education or training.
As an actress with over 20 years' experience, working as a producer and director, she's also an advocate for financial resourcefulness and creative approaches to money management. She loves talking to students and helping them engage with WizeUp topics in a dynamic, interactive, and enjoyable way.
Education
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies, Royal Holloway, University of London
MA Acting Musical Theatre, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
"I am so thrilled to be able to offer the financial literacy skills I did not have the opportunity to gain when I was younger. I seek to give students the confidence to navigate financial choices, make informed decisions and flourish in their financial futures.”
Emma Gilbert, Associate (North West)
Emma Gilbert, Associate (North West)
Joanne Symm, Associate (Market Harborough)
Expertise and experience
Emma is a retired police officer who completed over 30 years' of public service and reached the rank of Chief Inspector. Throughout her career, she’s been a staunch campaigner for people’s rights and independence, particularly children and young people as well as those who are deaf or disabled.
Emma specialised
Expertise and experience
Emma is a retired police officer who completed over 30 years' of public service and reached the rank of Chief Inspector. Throughout her career, she’s been a staunch campaigner for people’s rights and independence, particularly children and young people as well as those who are deaf or disabled.
Emma specialised in safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults and nationally developed the strategy for Deaf Access to Policing, significantly improving access to justice for deaf individuals. She also works as a communication support worker for deaf and SEND students at colleges as well as for private clients enabling access to education and employment.
As qualified Day Skipper, Emma also volunteers as a watch lead and mentor for a youth development sail training charity, reflecting her determination to build young people’s self-esteem through education and experiences.
Education
NVQ Level 6 in British Sign Language
BTEC National Diploma in Business and Finance
"I want to share my passion to improve safeguarding and financial wellbeing through the delivery of our courses."
Joanne Symm, Associate (Market Harborough)
Joanne Symm, Associate (Market Harborough)
Joanne Symm, Associate (Market Harborough)
Expertise and experience
Jo has worked with children and young people for over 25 years, as a Primary teacher, subject lead professional, language specialist and Junior Civilian Instructor for the Sea Cadets Corps. Alongside her work with WizeUp, she works for the Leicestershire SCITT team as the Modern Foreign Language subject facilitato
Expertise and experience
Jo has worked with children and young people for over 25 years, as a Primary teacher, subject lead professional, language specialist and Junior Civilian Instructor for the Sea Cadets Corps. Alongside her work with WizeUp, she works for the Leicestershire SCITT team as the Modern Foreign Language subject facilitator and Initial Teacher Trainee mentor.
Jo is in her element when facilitating workshops and delivering presentations to large audiences, and passionate about working in partnership with families and giving young people the opportunity to gain important life skills beyond the standard school curriculum.
Education
NPQL in Teacher Development, Teach First.
MA Integrated Provision for Children and Families, University of Leicester.
PGCE (QTS), Institute of Education, University of Northampton
BSc (Hons) Behavioural Sciences, University of Northampton
"I am passionate about working in partnership with families and professionals in order to give young people the opportunity to gain important life skills which includes developing financial literacy."
Emma Walford, Associate (London)
Joanne Symm, Associate (Market Harborough)
Emma Walford, Associate (London)
Expertise and experience
Emma is a teacher and tutor with experience supporting young people in primary and secondary school, including teaching GCSE Mathematics. She has worked one-to-one and in small groups, helping students gain confidence and make real progress in their learning.
Alongside teaching, she has run workshops focused on c
Expertise and experience
Emma is a teacher and tutor with experience supporting young people in primary and secondary school, including teaching GCSE Mathematics. She has worked one-to-one and in small groups, helping students gain confidence and make real progress in their learning.
Alongside teaching, she has run workshops focused on confidence, communication, and personal development. Emma is especially passionate about preparing young people for adult life, helping them build the skills and understanding they need to feel capable and confident beyond the classroom.
Education
PGCE (QTS), University of Cumbria
BA (Hons) Sociology and Criminology, University of Manchester
TESOL Level 5, Trinity College London
"I care about financial education because it helps provide equal opportunities, giving young people the skills and confidence to make informed choices and succeed in adult life."
Mona Vadher (Consultant)
Joanne Symm, Associate (Market Harborough)
Emma Walford, Associate (London)
Expertise and experience
Mona is a social mobility advocate deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and social impact. She has a track record of driving change with innovative programmes and effective leadership. She is passionate about building purpose-driven and impact-led programmes designed to bolster the confidence and employabili
Expertise and experience
Mona is a social mobility advocate deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and social impact. She has a track record of driving change with innovative programmes and effective leadership. She is passionate about building purpose-driven and impact-led programmes designed to bolster the confidence and employability prospects of young people from diverse backgrounds.
Mona is also an educational and skills policy expert and has experience with working with Boards of Trustees. She has delivered senior-level partnerships across higher education, Government and financial service, including the City of London Corporation, the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. She has also led initiatives which have raised aspirations, driven employability prospects and increased confidence for young people from low, socio-economic backgrounds.
Mona is a Director for a Community Interest Company, LMP Action, and sits on the Senior Executive Board for the LMP Group. Mona is also Vice-Chair of Trustees at Birkbeck Student’s Union, a Governor at the John Dewey Specialist College and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Education
BSc Chemistry (First class), University of Birmingham
Jermaine Julie, Associate (London)
Isabel Caetano da Rocha, Associate (Essex)
Isabel Caetano da Rocha, Associate (Essex)
Experience and expertise
With over 20 years of experience working with children and young people across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, Jermaine's professional background is rooted in youth work, mentoring, and residential care leadership. He began his career delivering programmes in schools and community settings, supporting young people at risk of exclusion and those facing personal and social challenges.
As a workshop facilitator and mentor, he has consistently created safe environments where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make positive life choices, and led community initiatives to support young people and families. Jermaine has progressed into leadership roles within residential children’s services, supporting young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). His experience in safeguarding, independence planning, and preparing young people for adulthood gives him valuable insight into the financial challenges many young people face when transitioning into independent living.
Education
BA (Hons) Youth Work , University of East London
Diploma for Residential Childcare (Level 3), CACHE
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (in progress)
PTLLS & CTLLS teaching qualifications
Ongoing professional development in safeguarding and residential care
“I’ve spent my career supporting young people through real-life challenges. Financial education is another essential life skill. My aim is to keep learning, keep developing, and help young people build the confidence they need to make informed financial choices.”
Isabel Caetano da Rocha, Associate (Essex)
Isabel Caetano da Rocha, Associate (Essex)
Isabel Caetano da Rocha, Associate (Essex)
Experience and expertise
Isi is a purpose-led strategist and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience supporting boards and senior teams.
As former COO and Managing Director of a $50bn investment division, she is known for leading major organisational change and driving sustainable growth. She now runs a consultancy she founded to help organizations navigate moments of strategic change.
A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, Isabel launched Powerof10, a women’s support network, and has led initiatives to champion diverse voices in leadership. She alsoserves as a Trustee for Next Chapter Women’s Refuge, reflecting her belief in governance as a force for good.
She is also a published children’s author and an award-winning playwright whose work has been selected for London’s Criterion Theatre New Writing Programme.
Education
BA (Hons) Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literature, University of Salford
Business Management Executive Programme, London School of Economics
Certificate in Counselling, Level 2, Cambridge Regional College
Lou Ross, Associate (London)
Isabel Caetano da Rocha, Associate (Essex)
Ash Shastry, Associate (London)
Expertise and experience
Lou has 20 years' experience of delivering workshops on a range of subjects. As an actress, director and facilitator, she's worked across the country in primary and secondary schools, PRUs and SEND centres as well as in alternative education, working with young people in care. As an Arts Award Advisor, she's helped many students achieve their first ever qualification.
She is passionate about helping young people realise and achieve their potential, encouraging and supporting dreams and ambitions, regardless of background.
Education
MA Acting, Arts Educational School London
"I’m passionate about ensuring that young people leave school with greater financial literacy, helping them to navigate the world and their finances with confidence and understanding ."
Ash Shastry, Associate (London)
Patrick Porter, Associate (SEND)
Ash Shastry, Associate (London)
Expertise and experience
Ash brings over a decade of high-level experience working alongside top business leaders from FTSE 100 companies. Having led large-scale transformation programmes and developed high-performing teams within market leading firms, Ash brings his experience to help individuals accelerate their own career growth and personal impact.
As an Associate at WizeUp Financial Education, Ash has trained thousands of students over the years, equipping them with the essential tools to thrive as they transition into universities, apprenticeships, and the world of work.
With a professional background rooted in mechanical engineering and business, Ash combines managerial gravitas and analytical precision with a genuine passion for building confidence, leadership and communication skills in the next generation.
Education
MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Management, University of Edinburgh
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), Foundation
"Growing up, I didn't have any structured support in preparing me for life after school. Where my parents were educated in a different country, and my school didn't offer any financial education, I learned through trial and error. That's why I'm passionate about working with WizeUp to help the younger generation so they can benefit from the shortcuts and tips we've gathered along our journeys!"
Patrick Porter, Associate (SEND)
Patrick Porter, Associate (SEND)
Patrick Porter, Associate (SEND)
Having trained initially as an English teacher, Patrick has had the pleasure of working in education for over 30 years in a variety of mainstream and specialist settings including working with young people with SEMH, ADHD and ASD. In mainstream schools, he worked as a special educational needs coordinator.
Patrick is interested in having the opportunity to explore new experiences in education. He believes the work that WizeUp undertakes is increasingly important in promoting independence and success for young people.
Our volunteers
Ken Winberg
Fay Richards
Expertise and experience
Ken initially worked in the public sector for the Lord Chancellor’s Department and as the London County Courts and Tribunals administrator, managing all twelve of the London County Courts and six Tribunals of various jurisdictions.
As the London Area Manager and National Operations Director of the Legal Aid Board
Expertise and experience
Ken initially worked in the public sector for the Lord Chancellor’s Department and as the London County Courts and Tribunals administrator, managing all twelve of the London County Courts and six Tribunals of various jurisdictions.
As the London Area Manager and National Operations Director of the Legal Aid Board, he was responsible for the administration of public funding for legal services, overseeing regional offices throughout England and Wales and budgets of £50-60m per annum.
He was at the forefront of quality management initiatives including the achievement of British Standards quality accreditation for all the offices under his command and the devolvement of power to law firms to authorise their own public funding in return for meeting auditable quality standards.
Subsequently, in the private sector he ran the largest law firm in the East London / Essex area. He was responsible for all aspects of the practice including finance, personnel, facilities management and regulatory compliance. Ken was WizeUp's chair of trustees until August 2022.
Fay Richards
Fay Richards
Expertise and experience
Fay is an experienced events manager with a demonstrated history of working in unique, historic venues. She has over 15 years' expereince in the events industry in and around London, with a keen interest in charitable and fundraising events. She has been involved in funrasing for a range of charities and now suppo
Expertise and experience
Fay is an experienced events manager with a demonstrated history of working in unique, historic venues. She has over 15 years' expereince in the events industry in and around London, with a keen interest in charitable and fundraising events. She has been involved in funrasing for a range of charities and now supports WizeUp Financial Education in seeking new funding opportunities.
Education
BA (Hons) Events Management, University of Greenwich