Irina Vallance  –  Founding Chair

Originally from a marketing and research background, Irina re-trained as a teacher and has a PGCE in Primary Education. She has been a trustee of The Fred Foundation, which funds specialist education for children with autism and the homeless charity, West London Cyrenians.

Irina developed the blueprint for netWork having recognised the unique value of her own diverse professional network. Irina believes that the opportunity to develop workplace confidence and career ambition should be available to all young people, regardless of background or social situation.

Lucy Cox – Development Projects

Lucy has been involved in the charity sector for a number of years.  She is a director of The Fairstead Trust, a charity that funds small youth- based charities in the London area and she is an ambassador for The Change Foundation which works to change the lives of marginalised young people through the power of sport and dance.  Lucy also works in schools as a volunteer one to one reader. These experiences have shown her the power of motivating young people and the value of netWork’s commitment to offering access to opportunities for as many students as possible.

Sarah Bagley – Business Development

Sarah firmly believes every child deserves a good education and the opportunity to move on from this strong base to a sound job and rewarding career. With these very principles in mind, she is enthusiastic about netWork’s mission of connecting teenagers to the workplace, expanding career choices and proffering professional development opportunities, irrespective of background or personal contacts.

Sarah has had a varied business career, in finance & travel, and latterly owning and managing her own children’s nursery in London. She has been heavily involved in fundraising for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and currently runs a homeless soup kitchen in her local area.

Rebecca Redding – Education & Corporate Liaison

Rebecca spent most of her career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before working with a variety of charities in the education sector. She was a trustee of The CAIRN Trust, The Thomas’s Schools Foundation and worked with a number of other charities in her role as PTA Chair of a large school in South West London. She currently works for Critical Care International. Rebecca believes netWork is an invaluable opportunity to connect schools and employers and to offer positive life changing experiences for students at a critical point in their education.