Sarah Ingleby
Chief Executive
A former teacher who changed career to work with VSO in Zambia for 4 years, Sarah returned to the UK and took up a post with Tools for Self Reliance. After 14 years, including volunteer management here, and picking up a MSC in Development Management on the way, Sarah took over the reigns to become CEO in 2012.
Cecily Bryant
Africa Programme Manager
Cecily first arrived in Africa over 25 years ago, living in a Zimbabwean village researching livelihoods and food insecurity. Since then, she has worked across East, Central and Southern Africa and the Caribbean managing a wide variety of development and humanitarian programmes including vocational training, education, and micro finance.
Colin Burford
Workshop and Site Manager
Joining us from the fire service, Colin works hard to keep our ship running smoothly, ensuring we deliver high-quality tools to our trainees in our projects or for public sales to raise funds. He also oversees our Netley Marsh site and tenants – keeping us all safe and healthy!
Vicky Fernandes
Individual Giving Officer
Vicky studied Anthropology at the University of Kent before working in conference co-ordination, event management and marketing. In 2015 she joined an environmental charity as Membership Officer within the Fundraising team and now joins Tools For Self Reliance as Individual Giving Officer.
Ben Riley
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Studied Business Studies at Plymouth University, spent 12 years in the NHS recruiting blood donors before joining an HIV charity as Fundraising and Volunteer Officer.
Sam Northcott
Administration Officer
Previously worked at HSBC, the Local Planning Authority and most recently Hampshire Constabulary. Joined the team at the end of March 2014 and deals with the daily running of the office.
Sonia Jackson
Marketing and Development Manager
Sonia joined the team in 2025, having worked in the marine industry, She has experience in combining strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. She has long-standing personal connections to Africa through family ties in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, which have helped shape her interest in international development and sustainable livelihoods.
Mandy Irvine
Finance Officer
Having lived and worked across the globe, Mandy has a broad knowledge of countless industries always working in a finance officer’s role. Upon her return from Australia in 2005 she took up formal studies in Accountancy enabling her to work in more senior roles and re-familiarise herself with UK finance regulations! She joined TFSR in 2024 and simply loves working alongside our amazing volunteers and learning how charities work.
