The call began “I’ve had an amazing idea. Come and work with me and build an organisation to support small charities, helping them to grow their income and be more efficient so they can help as many people as they can”.  I was thrilled by the idea of building capacity for UK charities. “Let’s do it on an international scale.” said Emma Harrison.  And that was the beginning of an amazing conversation with Emma which launched The Foundation for Social Improvement and ended with, “And we’ll have a great time doing it!” As the offer had come from Emma I knew that part would definitely be true.

And so it started, I handed in my notice at the NSPCC with many tears. Leaving was just about the most difficult thing I had done in some time as it is an amazing organisation. I truly did leave a little piece of my heart buried deep in a draw at their head office.

But, the 2nd of April quickly came, by which time I had managed to convince two other great minds to join me.  Getting the support of Carol Gillanders and Kim van Niekerk was just about the most clever move I have made to date – we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without them.

Anyway, as anyone who as started a journey knows there have been ups and downs as we have been finding our way and we have been down plenty of blind alleys. We are resolute in our belief, however, that if you do the right thing, and keep doing the right thing, then only good can come of it.  And with some serious determination and skill we will be able to support charities to reach their potential. I know that to be true and I know that The FSI is firmly fixed on ‘true north’ and if we waver Emma and the Trustees will be there to put us back on the right path.

So if you are about to start your journey, don’t be put off by the wrong turns, the blind alleys or the nagging doubts that keep you up at night.  Just believe in what you are doing, be clear that it is the right thing to do and head for ‘true north’ that’s where you will find the vision you have been working to build.