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
Master of Arts (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 (1st class honours) in Maths and Natural Sciences, 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)
Alan has worked in and around the paper industry for his entire career with the majority of that time spent with Wiggins Teape. During that time 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.
Since retirement, his interests include family, golf, film and literature.
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 (1st class honours) Accounting and Finance, University of East London
Corporate Institute of Purchasing and Supply member
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Saskia Perriard-Abdoh
Saskia joined the British Copyright Council (BCC) in September 2021 as Director of Policy and Public Affairs. Prior to joining the BCC, she oversaw the British Psychological Society's policy programme.
Her work at the time was primarily centred on health policy including behaviour change, obesity, smoking, drugs, and traumatic brain injuries. She was also the policy lead for the BPS’ Psychological Government work stream which examined decision making processes in government.
Saskia has also held several positions at Prospect magazine, including Head of Research and Political Engagement. During her time at Prospect she was responsible for 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.
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
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.”
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 currently Education Coach with Innerscope and Programme Director of the North Star Programme. Her experience working with students with ne
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 currently Education Coach with Innerscope and Programme Director of the North Star Programme. Her experience working with students with needs relating to challenging behaviour makes her the perfect choice to develop and deliver our WizeUp with Jack Petchey programme for PRUs.
Earlier in her career Laura was COO of City University School of Arts and Social Sciences.
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 lite
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."
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Mel Sneath, Head of Programme (Leicestershire and Notts)
Mel is an enthusiastic public speaker who has helped young people across the country find their voice, gain confidence and learn to speak with passion. She loves speaking and brining a smile to people's faces. Her favourite part in presenting is having fun, whilst also making a life-changing impact on young people's lives.
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."
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.
"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 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)
Emma is passionate about supporting young people to feel confident in their learning and in themselves. She has a background in Social Sciences, as well as teaching and tutoring Maths and a strong personal interest in wellbeing through yoga and mindfulness training.
She enjoys breaking down tricky ideas into simple, engaging steps that he
Emma is passionate about supporting young people to feel confident in their learning and in themselves. She has a background in Social Sciences, as well as teaching and tutoring Maths and a strong personal interest in wellbeing through yoga and mindfulness training.
She enjoys breaking down tricky ideas into simple, engaging steps that help students feel capable and motivated. Joining WizeUp has given Emma the opportunity to combine her skills in education with her interest in personal growth, encouraging learners to build both knowledge and resilience.
Mona Vadher (Consultant)
Joanne Symm, Associate (Market Harborough)
Emma Walford, Associate (London)
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 a goal-driven entrepreneur, comfortable with generating and implementing long-term strategies to spur growth and maximise reach. Creative and
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 a goal-driven entrepreneur, comfortable with generating and implementing long-term strategies to spur growth and maximise reach. Creative and 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 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 services. She has created initiatives which have raised aspirations, driven employability prospects and increased confidence for young people, from low, socio-economic backgrounds.
Mona believes that your background shouldn’t determine your life outcomes and so, there should be diversity, inclusion, and equity at progression. She has set up highly complex programmes that are purpose-driven and impact-led for many organisations such as the City of London Corporation, Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Currently, Mona is a Director for a Community Interest Company, LMP Action and sits on the Senior Executive Board for the LMP Group. Prior to joining LMP Action C.I.C., she set up the Government-commissioned taskforce (BEIS and HM Treasury), which seeks to boost and improve socio-economic diversity at senior levels within UK Financial and Professional Services and ran the secretariat. She has a strong knowledge of trends relating to the UK Skills Bill and Levelling Up agenda and experience of working with boards. Mona is Vice-Chair of Trustees at Birkbeck Student’s Union and Governor at the John Dewey Specialist College. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
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)
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 organizational change and driving sustainable growth.
Isabel now runs a consultancy she founded to help organizations navigate moments of strategic change. She serves as a Trustee for Next Chapter Women’s Refuge, reflecting her belief in governance as a force for good.
A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, Isabel launched Powerof10, a women’s support network, and has led initiatives to champion diverse voices in leadership.
A published children’s author and accomplished musician, she is also an award-winning playwright whose work has been selected for London’s Criterion Theatre New Writing Program.
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.
Nick Burke, Associate (London)
Patrick Porter, Associate (SEND)
Patrick Porter, Associate (SEND)
Expertise and experience
Nick has over ten years of experience in education as a History teacher, with leadership roles as both Head of Year and Head of Careers. Through these positions, he has supported young people in developing the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
Nick has extensive experience working with students, educators and parents, delivering guidance, mentoring and workshops focused on progression and real-world readiness. With a strong interest in financial education, he is passionate about helping young people understand money, build positive financial habits and develop the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex financial world.
Education
BA (Hons) History, University of York
PGCE, Sheffield Hallam University
"I care deeply about helping young people feel confident about their futures. Financial education is a key part of that, giving them the knowledge and skills to make informed choices and build positive habits that will support them throughout their lives."
Our volunteers
Ken Winberg
Fay Richards
Ken initially worked in the public sector for the Lord Chancellor’s Department culminating in his appointment as the London County Courts and Tribunals administrator. In that role he managed all twelve of the London County Courts and six Tribunals of various jurisdictions.
In 1990 he was appointed as the London Area Manager before becomi
Ken initially worked in the public sector for the Lord Chancellor’s Department culminating in his appointment as the London County Courts and Tribunals administrator. In that role he managed all twelve of the London County Courts and six Tribunals of various jurisdictions.
In 1990 he was appointed as the London Area Manager before becoming National Operations Director of the Legal Aid Board which, at that time, was the NDPB responsible for the administration of public funding for legal services. His staff, based in regional offices throughout England and Wales, processed a spend 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.
In 1998 he moved to the private sector where 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 until his retirement in 2016. Ken was our chair of trustees until August 2022.
Fay Richards
Fay Richards
Fay is an experienced events manager with a demonstrated history of working in unique, historic venues. Having graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Events Management from the University of Greenwich and working within the events industry in and around London for 14 years, she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in her field.
Fay is an experienced events manager with a demonstrated history of working in unique, historic venues. Having graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Events Management from the University of Greenwich and working within the events industry in and around London for 14 years, she has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in her field. She has a keen interest in charitable and fundraising events, and has assisted in raising vital funds for many charities in the past. She is excited to be helping WizeUp Financial Education seek new funding opportunities.