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SOS-UK is a student-led education charity focusing on sustainability. We know environmental sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation, so our work spans across issues of justice and wellbeing as well.
We believe in lifelong learning and work on sustainability across all forms of education from early years to workplace learning. We act as a support crew - facilitating, encouraging and mentoring people wherever they are on their sustainability journey in sustainability.
We see the power and potential in students and young people to be at the forefront of change. We work alongside them as equal partners in their sustainability leadership journeys.
More students leading on, and learning for, sustainability.
When students lead on sustainability they develop the knowledge, values, skills, and competencies required to make them great sustainability leaders. We don’t just want organisations to do sustainability for students, it should be done by, with, and through students.
An education system repurposed around the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
Sustainability should be woven through every subject like a golden thread. Every student should be a sustainability student. The education system should serve as a force for good in response to the challenges society faces.
Sustainability that is more inclusive, so it is for everyone.
Research has shown that the sustainability sector in the UK is unrepresentative when it comes to racial and other social and political identities. The negative impacts of sustainability inaction disproportionately affect these underrepresented groups, both globally and here in the UK. The sector must represent these voices.
Our 2019/20 Impact Report
Our 2017/18 Impact Report
Our 2016/17 Impact Report
Alex (he/him) joined SOS-UK in October 2021 as a Green Mentor Project Manager and works part-time to deliver the Green Influencer Scheme, inspiring young people to be positive agents of change in their community.
Based in Norwich, Alex also works as a Youth Engagement Officer for Norfolk Museums Service (Eastern Area) delivering National Saturday Club, an artist-led creative learning programme that empowers underserved Young People in East Norfolk with arts and heritage. Alex runs a community workshop studio, called Jelly Works, which advocates for a decarbonised practice using found and foraged materials.
He is a CELTA-trained English teacher, studied English at University of Exeter and has an Art Foundation Diploma from University of the Arts London.
Whenever possible, Alex enjoys wild swimming, mixing records and peering into medieval churches.
Beatrice joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager in November 2022. She is based in Bristol and works across varied projects such as Green Impact, Student Switch Off, SDG Teach In and Learning Academy.
Beatrice Studied Economics and Human Geography at Aberystwyth University, before completing an MSC in Sustainable Development at The University of St Andrews. Here she pursued her interests and research into Climate Education and Engagement, Climate Justice, ESD and its role in 'Quality Education' and importance to breaking the poverty cycle internationally, and advocated for action, change and diversity within the environmental sector as the School Sustainability Representative.
Beatrice spent some time teaching in China after her studies, where she engaged young learners in Climate Education and Action. Beatrice hopes to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the UK environmental space, and push for curriculum change and education policies that are representative and present an accurate narrative of under-represented groups and marginalised communities.
Beatrice also hopes to influence the international space, influencing stakeholders and governments in African countries to address the Climate crisis alongside the Social crisis. Beatrice hopes to encourage more people to advocate for climate education, action and justice for all globally, and to encourage more opportunities for the girl child through this, particularly on the continent of Africa.
Outside of work, Beatrice enjoys the outdoors, experiencing new cultures and languages, cooking, and particularly loves singing, script-writing short plays for her drama group and other arts.
Name Pronunciation: Beth-ah-ny Pronouns: she/her
Bethany became a member of the SOS-UK team in March 2022 as a Project Officer supporting with the delivery of Hedgehog Friendly Campus. She was then promoted to Project Coordinator (Biodiversity) in September 2022. The project is a BHPS-funded national biodiversity program for the educational sector, which offers free support to staff and students to make impactful changes for wild hedgehogs. She is also a regular volunteer that fosters underweight hedgehogs for local rescues.
Bethany graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2021 with a BA(Hons) in Architecture. Her projects focused on integrating conservation and biodiversity plans to develop a positive relationship between the built environment and nature, ultimately diminishing barriers for wildlife in urban areas. She vows to one day help create richer habitats and protect threatened ecosystems through the use of design to create a balanced environment for both humans and wildlife.
Outside of work, Bethany loves exploring nature trails and fuelling her graphic design flair. She also enjoys reading, gardening, photography and buying more plants than she has room for but that probably won’t stop her from buying them.
Celine joined SOS-UK in November 2020. In her role as a Project Manager, she works primarily on delivering SOS-UK’s sustainability engagement programmes such as Green Impact and Student Switch Off. She also works on the Students For Trees programme, which supports students across the UK to learn about, and to take action for, woods and trees, to help fight the climate and nature crises.
Celine graduated with a BSc in Zoology from the University of Bristol, where she specialized in evolution, ecology and conservation. While in Bristol, she regularly volunteered with the RSPB as part of their schools outreach programme, as well as with the Avon Gorge and Downs Project. Through these roles, she discovered how much she enjoyed communicating sustainability and conservation to young minds, and encouraging the public to take action through education.
Prior to joining SOS-UK, Celine worked at the University of Warwick Students’ Union, where she supported students and sabbatical officers in their campaigns and worked with the SU’s Environment Committee to improve sustainability at the Union.
Outside of work, she has a keen interest in photography, languages and travel, and enjoys exploring the great outdoors on long nature walks.
(Pronunciation: Eh-mah)
Emma joined SOS-UK as a project manager for the South West in November 2020. Emma engages staff and students in a variety of sustainability projects, including Green Impact and Student Switch Off. She also leads on social media.
Emma studied Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London, where she became passionate about climate justice, and subsequently started volunteering for the UK Youth Climate Coalition. She worked for a local authority promoting recycling and community development initiatives and later worked for the Holocaust Educational Trust coordinating their Ambassador Programme. After participating in an Environmental Leadership Programme, Emma studied for a Masters in Migration and Mobility Studies at the University of Bristol and specialised in climate-induced displacement.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys reading, yoga, and being outside in nature.
Franceska joined the SOS-UK team in September 2021 and has since advanced to the position of Project Coordinator. She primarily works in our Engagement directory on projects such as Green Impact and Sustainable Accommodation, as well as Climate Justice & Inclusion, which includes the RACE Report, which she has worked on since its inception.
Franceska holds a BSc in Civil Engineering, but her primary interest has always been in the sustainability sector, with a special emphasis on intersectionality in the environmental sector, as well as social and economic adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Her thesis focused on flood risk management and it consequences to Nottingham. As to review whether change is needed in a new hydraulic model or critical stakeholders making space for water.
Franceska enjoys her personal time reading novels, particularly by Black authors, swimming, photography, and travelling.
Hadi joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager in November 2022. He is based in London and works across a range of projects in the south-east, whilst also supporting on our communications & marketing.
Hadi obtained a BA in History & Film at Sussex University before completing an MA in South Asian History at SOAS with a focus on colonialism and nationalist movements.
Following on from his studies, Hadi developed a passion for environmental sustainability whilst working in the events industry. This led to him working for two environmental charities before setting up his own sustainable nightlife consultancy called ecodisco. Outside of his work with SOS-UK Hadi continues to lead ecodisco, working to reduce the environmental impact of the events industry across the UK.
Name pronunciation: Hol-ly; pronouns: she/her
Holly joined SOS-UK as a project manager in May 2021,working part-time to deliver the Green Influencer scheme. As a Green Mentor on this scheme, Holly assists young people to create deep, lasting and meaningful connections with the natural environment.
Alongside work, Holly is completing her doctoral research at the University of Southampton, focusing on the consequences of Arctic Ocean climate change as part of the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council’s Changing Arctic Ocean programme. Holly is the former president and current vice-president of the UK Polar Network, a voluntary organisation working to make research more inclusive, helping those early in their scientific careers, and educating the public about polar research. She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology.
Other than this, Holly stays busy with environmental campaigning and teaching swimming to young people. She enjoys all forms of exercise, trying new things, and trying to cram as many plants into her home office as possible.
Jack (he/him) joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager in July 2022, and primarily works on the delivery of our Teach the Teacher campaign.
Jack studied BSc Ecology at Cardiff University where he took advantage of a number of practical field work opportunities (like coral reef surveying in Tobago!). He then went on to complete his masters in Climate Change at King's College London, writing a dissertation on the impact of outdoor music festivals on local bat populations.
Working in a university alongside his masters Jack first engaged in Green Impact as a staff member before moving to a role in a Students’ Union where he was responsible for engaging students in sustainability and climate justice. Here he supported students in running environmental campaigns and societies, ran environmental events for students, and worked with climate academics to make the case for introducing climate into the curriculum for all undergraduate degrees.
Outside of work you can find Jack swimming, watching live music, in a charity shop, or wandering around a park with an iced coffee somewhere in South London.
Jade joined the team in 2012 and is a senior project manager focusing on student engagement.
Based in Oxfordshire Jade spends much of her time engaging with students across the country helping support sustainable behaviors.
Jade has a BSc and MSc in Environmental Management and previously worked at the University of the West of Scotland Student Association as part of their Climate Challenge Fund sustainability projects as well as working on improving environmental practices within the business sector for a number of years.
Outside of work Jade spends time with her family, going for long walks and getting out and about.
Jamie is the founder Executive Director of Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK). Prior to joining SOS-UK, Jamie was Head of Sustainability at NUS for 15 years. Jamie is a Director of the Aldersgate Group, a Trustee of The Harmony Project and a Fellow of IEMA. You can read more about Jamie's work at SOS-UK in this interview for Transform Magazine (September 2022)
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(Pronunciation: Jas-mine)
Jasmine joined SOS-UK as a Wellbeing Project Administrator in March 2022. She was then promoted to Project Coordinator (Wellbeing) in August 2022.
Jasmine supports with all aspects of work related to the wellbeing programmes and research taking place within SOS-UK. Her main focus is working with universities and students' unions to create a more positive, supportive and educated approach to student alcohol and drug use. Jasmine's main responsibilities include assisting with the delivery of SOS-UK's Alcohol Impact and Drug and Alcohol Impact. The priority of both programmes and the work that Jasmine does is the health and wellbeing of students.
Jasmine graduated in 2020 with a BSc Psychology (BPS accredited) from the University of Plymouth. She is passionate about mental health and wellbeing. Jasmine conducted her undergraduate independent research project at a secondary school to investigate the mental health literacy of both students and teachers. Since graduating, she has completed a suicide awareness course with Zero Suicide Alliance, obtained a Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems, and she has recently become a crisis intervention volunteer with Shout in addition to a Mental Health First Aider.
Outside of her work with SOS-UK, Jasmine is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her dog on scenic walks in her home county, Cornwall. Jasmine also enjoys to create art, primarily acrylic paintings, often inspired by the Cornish coastline.
Jo joined SOS-UK in April 2022. She is based in Sheffield and manages the Hedgehog Friendly Campus programme working with universities, colleges and schools across the UK.
Jo graduated from the University of Sheffield with an MEnvSci in Environmental Science, completing a masters research project in agricultural soil carbon sequestration. Since graduating in 2017, Jo has delivered and developed various sustainable behaviour change and accreditation programmes within the education sector including Green Impact, Modeshift STARS and Hedgehog Friendly Campus.
She has a passion for wildlife and experience in the ecological sector, working in roles with the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Outside of work, you’ll find her hunting for hedgehog prints in her garden, out on walks in the Peak District with her husband and rescue dog Lily or watching the Great British Bake Off.
Joanna is London based and has been part of the team since October 2010. In her role as director of engagement, Joanna is part of SOS-UK's leadership team together with the executive director and other directors, and has oversight of SOS-UK's main engagement programmes, including Green Impact, Student Switch Off and the Learning Academy empowering individuals and teams to learn, act and lead for sustainability. Joanna also has oversight of SOS-UK's programmes that focus on student energy poverty and is involved in the Erasmus + funded Green Erasmus that aims to make the experience of an Erasmus student more sustainable working with a team across Europe.
Joanna has experience of working in different sectors in a sustainability role, including work at the London School of Economics, University of Westminster, Greater London Authority, Forum for the Future, AECOM and other sustainability consultancies.
Joanna has a BA in Human Sciences from the University of Oxford and an MSc in Environment, Science and Society from UCL. Joanna is a full member (MIEnvSc) of the Institution of Environmental Sciences, and is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). In her spare time, Joanna enjoys hiking and camping, discovering new places, eating tasty meals, listening to podcasts, and doing yoga.
Kate joined SOS-UK in September 2022, working on the Farming for Carbon and Nature project. Kate is coordinating the development of the financial and business model for payments from UK universities to farms for environmental benefits generated through regenerative or nature friendly farming approaches.
Kate has a BA in Biological Sciences, a PhD in Epidemiology and spent eight years working as a public health researcher and teaching research methods to masters students in London and Edinburgh. In 2018, Kate started working in organic horticulture and vegetable farming. Kate worked as assistant grower and head grower on commercial farms ranging from 1 acre to 25 acres, from minimum tillage to field scale tractor cultivation, always selling direct to local customers.
Kate is passionate about sustainable food systems and regenerative farming and land management. Joining SOS-UK, Kate is bringing together her hands-on experience of food systems and farming in the UK with her time in the HE sector.
Kate is based in South-west England, near to Bristol. Outside of work Kate enjoys cycling, open water swimming, walking and generally doing things in the great outdoors.
Kedijah joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager for the East Midlands in October 2021. Kedijah engages students in projects such as Green Impact and Student Switch Off.
Kedijah studied BSc Environmental Science at Manchester Metropolitan University, which is where she found her love for environmental education through the Carbon Literacy Project. She became Carbon Literate and then trained to become a certified Carbon Literacy Trainer. Kedijah also studied MSc Environmental Leadership and Management at the University of Nottingham, specialising in climate change. Her dissertation centered around environmental education and how increasing student knowledge/inciting behaviour change can help University of Nottingham socially adapt to climate change.
Kedijah is also a Youth Trustee of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. In this position, she regularly advocates for young people’s voices to be heard and endeavours to increase rates of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Kedijah enjoys long walks in nature (Attenborough Nature Reserve and anywhere in the Peak District are favourites!), reading fiction as a form of escapism and cooking delicious vegan meals with a range of different ingredients.
Manu Maunganidze works at the crossroads between education, environment, culture and diversity. He has been a lifelong vocal and passionate campaigner for equality in the civic and professional spheres. As an inclusion and diversity trainer Manu focuses on issues of cultural competence, institutional change in the context of unconscious bias and recruitment practice, and creating strategies towards better communication and partnership building. His work is always tailored to the client or group he is working with. Clients have favoured him for his effective facilitation skills as well being a responsive communicator of often difficult and complex ideas. He is adept at both one-off training sessions as he is at long-term strategic involvement.
Manu’s work has primarily been with non-profit and public sector organisations, green companies and charities, and cultural institutions. This has seen him advise and work in tandem with organisations as diverse as the National Trust, Voscur, City to Sea, The Crafts Council, Resource Futures, Future Economy Network, Bristol City Council and many smaller community organisations, and individuals seeking mentorship. His interest is in balancing the real practical pressures facing organisations with the need to pursue social justice and create sustainable solutions to meet these aims; provoking “out-of-the-box thinking”.
Manu is a fellow of the RSA and as a multi-disciplinary artist is also currently on a fellowship with Bristol and Bath R+D. His artistic practice is often brought to the fore in the creative and fun tools Manu often employs to engage groups in conversations that can often become too uncomfortable to inspire change.
In addition to all this, Manu is a director of Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Chairperson of Eastside Community Trust, Education Lead at The Global Goals Centre, and founder of Nature Youth Connection and Education CIC. Outside of work Manu is a keen long-distance runner and cyclist, writer, dad, and amateur craft maker.
Pronunciation: Mar-ta No-vitz-ka (she/her)
Marta joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager in October 2021. She is based in Sheffield and works on our engagement and education programmes with institutions across the country.
Marta graduated with an MBiolSci in Biology from the University of Sheffield, having done her masters project on sustainable soil management in agriculture. While at Sheffield, she held a variety of sustainability-related roles, campaigning and representing the student voice on sustainability matters within the Students' Union and across the wider University. Among others, her work has led to Sheffield University switching to a truly renewable electricity supplier (through the Clean Energy Switch campaign), the Students' Union boycotting fast fashion companies, and introducing a Welfare & Sustainability sabbatical officer position. Upon graduating, she joined a university department as an Education for Sustainable Development intern, producing subject-specific staff guidance for embedding ESD across all modules and teaching activities.
Outside of work, Marta enjoys spending her time actively, be it nature walks (always with a podcast in her ears), swimming, or Ceilidh dancing. She's also the first to try exciting vegan-friendly eateries, a keen dog spotter, and an avid reader.
Meg leads on SOS-UK's inclusion and climate justice work, which aims to transform the sustainability and environment sector, through recognising the role of education as a powerful tool for societal and systemic change. This work includes the newly launched RACE report and creating a progression pipeline to support people from under-represented groups to be part of the journey to climate justice. We know the climate crisis implicates those least responsible the most, therefore we are working to change that through this organisational aim of SOS-UK.
Meg is also currently seconded to University and College Union (UCU) for 1 day/week to progress UCU's work supporting members on the Green New Deal for Universities and Colleges, and to deliver on a Just Transition.
Prior to stepping into her current role, Meg was a key part of the SOS-UK education, taking on a maternity cover as Interim Director of Education for nearly 2 years and was previously Senior Project Manager for Education.
Previously, Meg worked at the University of Gloucestershire and their students' union leading on student, staff and community engagement for sustainability, this also involved the coordination of a Regional Centre of Expertise for Sustainability Education. She found her passion for education transformation through her background in outdoor education and learning outside the classroom, working with young people out of mainstream education.
Mel joined the SOS-UK team in March 2020. She joined as a Campaign manager, setting up the Invest for Change campaign, and now oversees our Education campaigns (including Teach the Future and MockCOP) and consultancy work.
Mel studied Geography at The University of Sheffield and was elected as their Students' Union Development Officer, leading on sustainability, as well as commercial and financial activity, across the university and students' union. At Sheffield, Mel successfully campaigned to embed Education For Sustainable Development into the curriculum and worked with university leaders to ensure the commitment to divesting from fossil fuels was fulfilled. Before joining SOS-UK, Mel worked at the University of Bristol on staff and student engagement campaigns in the Sustainability Team.
Outside of work, Mel enjoys running, cooking and getting out on her bike.
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(Pronunciation: Mi-chelle)
Since joining the team in 2013, Michelle has held many roles across the team but now leads on development and networks projects and campaigns.
Michelle works on our climate education campaign Teach the Future, our ethical finance campaign Invest for Change, and works alongside colleagues at Friends of the Earth to run a community organising programme in FE colleges, My World My Home.
Alongside this Michelle leads on delivering the SOS-UK Learning Academy, our new learning and development consultancy and training hub.
Michelle manages a team of campaigners, project managers and student staff, supporting them to deliver great work, develop their skills and get the most out of their time at SOS-UK.
Outside of work Michelle enjoys making things, running (slowly) and visiting London's parks with her dog Bones.
Nat (they/them) joined SOS-UK as a Campaign Manager in July 2022, working to deliver a new ethical finance campaign in the Autumn.
They studied BSc Environmental Geography at UCL, where they were also the Ethics, Environment, and Operations Sabbatical Officer (2012-13). They are currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and were born and raised in Los Angeles, California. They've been an activist since 2007, and started their involvement in student unions in 2008.
Outside of working at SOS, Nat is an artist and musician, and enjoys board and video games, sci-fi and fantasy media, learning (currently: reading a lot about neurodivergence, attachment theory, and trauma), and walking a lot, especially with their dog.
Odette is home-based in Wales and co-manages the Student Eats programme with Tilly. Our aim is to work with students to create a more equitable food system by putting healthy and sustainable food at the heart of the campuses across the UK. This includes supporting students to set up social enterprises selling sustainable food as well as supporting food growing initiatives on campus. Odette also works with the NUS Wales team on sustainability issues.
Odette has a masters in 'Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture' and has previously worked in a science lab looking at a fungus to help farming. While at university, she ran many campaigns often focusing on sustainable fishing and local food as well as volunteering on a community growing space. Odette achieved Practitioner Membership in Environmental Management and Assessment (PIEMA), in 2018 accredited by IEMA.
While not at work, Odette can be found working on her no-dig growing space, avidly listening to podcasts about our food system and adventuring in the Welsh hills. Odette also coordinates a food buying group to give local residents access to healthy & sustainable food at a more affordable price.
Patricia joined SOS-UK as a project manager in June 2022. Patricia delivers SOS-UK's Green Impact and Student Switch Off programmes across the UK.
Patricia studied Geography in the University of East Anglia, where she became passionate about different forms of environmental knowledge and the varied understanding of sustainability alongside other environmental issues. Whilst studying she became a member of the black geographers charity and worked on improving the understanding and access to Higher education through the ambassador scheme. She then went on to complete her masters in Environmental Assessment and management.
Outside of Work at SOS-UK Patricia likes to swim and do anything in water from aqua aerobics to water parks, she loves to travel and see the world, she’s also a baker with strong interests in buttercream cake decorations and looks to keep practising. And so much more, she’s yet to update you on!
Quinn leads SOS-UK's education work, which aims to embed sustainability through all aspects of learning, from early years through to adult education. Quinn manages the team that leads our systems-change education campaigns like Teach the Future and MockCOP as well as our education consultancy, projects and programmes, including Responsible Futures, SDG Curriculum Mapping, For Good and ESD Changemakers.
Previously, she managed the Students' Green Fund project at the University of Bristol Students’ Union and delivered student sustainability engagement and education programmes at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
Alongside work, Quinn is pursuing a Doctorate in Education at the UCL Institute of Education and holds a BA in Geography and Political Science with a concentration in Sustainability from the University of British Columbia. Quinn achieved Practitioner Membership in Environmental Management and Assessment (PIEMA), in 2018 accredited by IEMA.
Quinn is a homeworker based in Sheffield. Outside of work she enjoys hiking in the Peak District with her partner, twin boys, and Newfoundland dog, listening to podcasts, and playing board games.
Rachel has worked in sustainability-focused research roles since 2007, joining NUS' Sustainability team, prior to the creation of SOS-UK, in 2011. She leads the management, design, implementation and delivery associated with research and evaluation projects in order to enhance SOS-UK's ability to be effective in its sustainability-focused work with students' unions and in its projects, programmes and campaigns across the education sector through use of insight.
Rachel has previously worked for research and strategy consultancy Brook Lyndhurst and Green Alliance. Here she worked on projects for a range of public sector clients across a range of different issues, utilising quantitative and qualitative skills to investigate community action on climate change, evaluating behaviour change and developing pilots to promote energy efficiency.
Rachel studied Geography at Durham and has a Masters in Environment, Science and Society from UCL. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys experimenting in the kitchen (which mostly works out!), complemented by keeping active by running, swimming outdoors or cycling.
Pronunciation: Ra-chel So-per
She/her
Rachel joined the team in 2014 and is currently based in Leeds as a home-worker. Rachel works as senior project manager for engagement, leading our staff sustainability awards and engagement programme, Green Impact. She also worked on our Horizon 2020 funded programme, SAVES 2, collaborating with universities across Europe on the issues of energy use, fuel poverty and sustainability.
Rachel is a graduate from the University of York with a BSc in Environmental Economics and Environmental Management and now works on delivering projects that she volunteered with as a student. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with the family rescue dogs - Stella and Ada.
Rajneet has begun her new Project Co-ordinator role for Inclusion & Climate Justice and Education that involves working and supporting on a range of different projects and programmes such as The RACE Report, Responsible Futures and the SHAPE Impact Project.
She graduated in 2020 with a BSc(Hons) in Geography, Urban Environments & Climate Change from the University of Wolverhampton. She completed an online training course provided by the UNEP and PEDRR that was about Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience. Rajneet joined SOS-UK as a Kickstarter in September 2021.
In her spare time, Rajneet volunteers at her local RSPB Nature Reserve and manages her own environmental Instagram account which aims to raise awareness of the consequences and solutions to tackling climate change.
Rosie joined SOS-UK as a Project Manager in December 2022. She is based in London and works across a range of projects, such as Green Impact and Mock COP.
Rosie studied Politics at The University of Manchester before going on to complete an MSc in International Relations at The London School of Economics and Political Science; pursuing a keen interest in climate justice, activism and the politics of climate change. She played an active role in student politics, being part of a successful campaign to get The University of Manchester to divest from fossil fuels. After her studies, Rosie went on to work in youth voice supporting the UK Youth Parliament at The British Youth Council.
Outside of work, Rosie enjoys community volunteering and is involved in other climate justice movements. She also loves long walks, being with friends and exploring the city.
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Sonya (she/her) joined SOS-UK in November 2020. She is a homeworker in Glasgow and leads on SOS-UK's education programmes and campaigns including Responsible Futures, SDG Curriculum Mapping and ESD Changemakers.
She has a BA in International Development from McGill University and an MSc in Environment and Development from the University of Edinburgh. Prior to joining SOS-UK, she worked with EAUC to support universities and colleges in responding to the climate emergency. She also worked with Networking Key Services, an Edinburgh-based South Asian women's centre on sustainability programmes and led student research teams in developing a sustainable food standard for universities and colleges with Canadian charity, Meal Exchange.
She believes decolonising work and climate justice is imperative to real climate action and is learning how to advance justice in her personal and professional life.
In her spare time, she enjoys video-calling her four-year old niece as well as reading, cooking and writing (often attempting to combine all three).
(Pronunciation: Sway-tha)
Swetha (she/her) joined the SOS-UK team in July 2022 and is based at the NUS-Scotland office in Edinburgh. She primarily works with Rachel, the Head of Impact and Research, delivering research and communications support on various research and evaluation projects, working to ensure that insights gained are helping to support SOS-UK and its sustainability-focused work with students and across the Education sector.
Swetha has an Economics degree from the University of Leeds and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Environment and Development from the University of Edinburgh. She volunteers as a Sustainability Consultant for student-led consultancy Six Degrees and also writes for sustainable fashion magazine Contemporary Fashion.
Outside of work, Swetha loves getting outdoors and exploring, travelling, cooking up new recipes and practicing yoga.
Tilly joined the team in 2016 and manages the Student Eats programme with Odette. Our aim is to work with students to create a more equitable food system by putting healthy and sustainable food at the heart of UK campuses. This includes supporting students to set up social enterprises selling sustainable food, supporting food growing initiatives on campuses and developing work around university owned farmland and edible campuses.
In addition to working for SOS-UK Tilly is a co-founder and Director of Six Legs Farm, a family business breeding crickets, a trustee for Worcester Roots Foundation, and a Director of Stockwood Community Benefit Society, a community-owned organic and biodynamic farm and business park in Worcestershire.
Tilly is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and full member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), has an MA in Sustainable Development Advocacy and a degree in Law. Previously, Tilly coordinated the Food Co-op project at Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming, and spent over ten years working on local and international youth sustainability initiatives. Spare time passions include family travels without flying, music festivals and crickets (the chirping kind rather than the sport).
Tori joined the team in 2022 as a part-time Project Manager and is currently based in Worcestershire as a home-worker. Tori currently works on both our student engagement projects and our research and evaluation projects.
Tori graduated from UWE with a Geography and Environmental Management degree and then completed a MA in Sustainable Development Advocacy with the University of Worcester, specialising in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Following this, Tori has worked within Students' Unions engaging students with sustainability campaigns and projects. Tori also has experience specialising in environmental engagement & behaviour change across both the third and public sector.
In her spare time, Tori enjoys exploring the countryside with friends and family or on rainy day can be found inside playing lots of board games! Tori also loves being creative, spending time learning new creative skills and is part of her local crafting network.
(Pronunciation: Tra-cy)
Tracy joined SOS-UK in October 2019. She delivers Alcohol Impact and Drug and Alcohol Impact supporting universities and students' unions to deliver programmes to embed social norms of responsible drinking on our campuses, develop drug harm reduction policies and interventions to reduce the negative outcomes of student drug use, and build healthier, safer, more productive student communities.
Before working for SOS, Tracy worked for 6 years in community drug and alcohol services coordinating the care for adults affected by drugs or alcohol and providing training to health care professionals, support workers and students into the facts and risks associated with alcohol. Tracy has a degree in Medical Science from the University of Birmingham.
In her spare time, Tracy enjoys visiting new places, going to the theatre and trying to get out of an escape room!
Zak joined the SOS-UK team in August 2022. He manages our Invest for Change campaign, which calls on universities to make investment decisions in the interests of students, communities and the planet, not against them; centring climate and social justice principles.
Zak studied Human, Social and Political Sciences at The University of Cambridge. As a student, he was involved in a variety of climate and social justice campaigns, particularly around fossil fuel divestment. He went on to be elected as the Undergraduate President of the Cambridge Students' Union, where he focused his campaigning efforts on advancing climate justice at the university. This included campaigning for the university to end its research and sponsorship partnerships with the fossil fuel industry, bring forward its emissions targets in line with climate justice and equity principles and comprehensively review its relationships with banks investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure and other socially harmful, environmentally destructive industries.
Outside of work, Zak enjoys exploring London markets and parks, trying new vegetarian recipes, watching comedies and meeting up with friends for coffee.
Name Pronunciation: Zo-e Pronouns: she/her/hers
Zoe started as a project manager in October 2017 and moved into the role of Campaigns Manager for Education in July 2022 which involves working on our Mock COP and Teach the Future campaigns.
Zoe studied Anthropology and International Development at the University of Sussex, where her research had a particular focus on issues of social justice and she spent a term working for a water and sanitation charity. After graduating, Zoe joined the students' union at Sussex as an Environmental Assistant, helping to integrate environmental good practice and reporting on the impact.
Zoe achieved Practioner Membership in Environmental Management and Assessment (PIEMA), in 2019 accredited by IEMA.
Hi, I'm Alyson (she/her), and I'm really excited to support the volunteers of Teach The Future to deliver meaningful campaigns across Scotland. Having been an elected student union officer for the past year, I've picked up a lot of insights into effective planning and facilitation in the student movement. Huge fun fact fan, did you know strawberries are not berries but bananas are?!
Amiteshwar Singh (he/him) is a 22 year old organiser, student doctor and writer based in Norwich, focusing on and exploring the intersection of health justice, ecological justice and abolition. His work primarily brings forward a health perspective, at the local, national and international levels. He has most recently, prior to this role, been involved with the climate justice movement as a co-founder of the People’s Health Hearing as well as of the Youth Climate and Health Network. Amit commits himself to work towards a community-led radical, joyful future that has been envisioned through a climate justice lens.
Hi! I’m Charlie (he/him), 15 and based in Oxfordshire. I first got involved in the Teach the Future campaign in mid 2022 after finding out about it online, helping as a volunteer to organize projects like the Teach In, and more general work in comms.
I’ve loved working in such a fun, welcoming environment and I can’t wait to step up my responsibilities and help coordinate some of the things we’ve got lined up for this year.
Outside of Teach the Future, I’m studying three foreign languages at GCSE, as well as music and geography, and really enjoy coding.
David is a sustainability leader and climate justice advocate leading the charge for a sustainable future in Nigeria. As a seasoned volunteer and former Volunteer Newsletter Coordinator for Mock COP phase 2, David has already made a powerful impact in raising climate awareness and inspiring action among students at his University.With a background in Mechanical Engineering and a passion for sustainable development, he's on a mission to bridge the gap between energy and sustainability through innovation and policy.
Django is a passionate young person who has been representing young people and ensuring their voices are heard for over 2 years. He is passionate about ensuring that people are educated about climate change and its impacts and how people can reduce their impact on the planet. Currently, Django is working on the Teach the Teacher Campaign as a campaign coordinator.
Outside of work, Django likes to play the piano and read.
(Pronunciation: ill-sir) (she/her) Ilse joined in February 2023 as one of the coordinators for the Teach the Teacher campaign. She is studying A levels in physics, maths and history at BHASVIC, alongside an EPQ in climate migration. At college, she was elected as an Environmental Officer to the Student Union, and is one of the student coordinators of the Climate Action Society. As part of this, she has worked on promoting the Carbon Literacy Qualification offered at BHASVIC, making the canteen more sustainable, and is part of an ongoing campaign to improve public transport and its affordability in Brighton and Hove. Outside of college and work, Ilse loves drawing, taking walks along the South Downs, and curling up with a book and her cat.
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Jamie is an experienced youth campaigner and leader who has been representing young people and advocating for climate justice for over four years now. Since 2019 he has been involved in the UK Youth Parliament and he currently leads the South West of England, contributing too to national planning and decision making.
Jamie has been involved with SOS-UK in a variety of capacities since 2020. From organising volunteers and logistics for the Mock COP26 conference, to supporting young people to develop projects as part of the Green Influencer Scheme, and leading global projects ahead of COP27 such as the Education Ministers Summit and Teach the Teacher, Jamie has been involved in work across the SOS-UK portfolio, as well as volunteering with Teach the Future.
Jamie is currently working on SOS-UK’s Green Schools Revolution, focusing on upscaling the Teach the Teacher project in schools across the UK. He is excited by the opportunity to support young people to make a difference in their communities, while developing skills for life along the way.
Outside of work, Jamie is studying for A Levels in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Politics and enjoys climbing.
Jodie Bailey-Ho is a 19-year-old undergraduate environmental science student at the University of Manchester, and one of the co-founders of Teach the Teacher. Her lobbying for climate and sustainability education began in 2019, and since then she has been involved with a number of SOS-UK projects (including Teach the Future and Mock COP) as well as being awarded the Jack Petchey Environmental Award and named one of CIWEM’s ‘Climate Sheroes’. She hopes that young people will feel empowered to create a lasting impact through Teach the Teacher, and that the project will inspire them to go into the world believing they can change it for the better.
Niamh is a 16 year old climate activist focused on climate education and sustainability within schools. She is based in South East England and is a member of the Surrey Youth Cabinet where she helps to lead the environment project. She has been involved in the climate movement since she was 11 years old and she started volunteering for Teach the Future in early 2021. Currently she is working as a Campaign Coordinator for Teach the Teacher as a part of the Green Schools Revolution project. She’s very passionate about this project and is excited to see it grow. She spends her spare time reading, hiking and listening to music and outside of work she is studying for her GCSES.
Rhiannon Mackie is an environmental advocate from Aotearoa New Zealand, fighting for climate justice on local, national, and international levels. Having campaigned on climate change since she was 14, she is an advocate for empowering, meaningful, and accessible youth engagement in climate policy at all levels. Initially working with School Strike 4 Climate NZ, Rhiannon has since worked on campaigns such as the Fossil Free State Sector coalition, advocated for climate education, and coordinated alongside some of New Zealand's largest environmental organisations.Now, Rhiannon works to empower youth around the world to engage with climate policy at an international level. She was a key member of the Stockholm+50 Youth Task Force, and attended COP27 as the representative for the New Zealand Climate Action Network. Rhiannon loves to spend time at the beach or walking in NZ's native forests listening to birdsong.
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Shreya is a Nepali climate justice activist and educator with more than six years of experience in key areas including climate education, meaningful youth engagement, campaigning, and climate policies. Being a direct victim of the climate crisis and coming from an indigenous community from a least developing country, she has a deeper understanding of the intersectional impacts of the climate crisis.
She has been with Mock COP from its inception, serving as a delegate in the first phase and as campaign coordinator from phase 2 to 4. She is also an active member of YOUNGO, the children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, and has worked with a diverse group of young people across the world to champion the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making spaces. She has received numerous recognition for her work, including being named in the EE 30 under 30 for her impact on environmental education and receiving the "Youth of the Year" award in 2022.
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Sofia Luna Quispe is an 18 years old anthropology student and climate justice activist from Lima, Perú. Sofia is the grandchild of an indigenous, Quechua-speaking, and immigrant family living in the Comas District. Since she was 14 years old she advocates for social justice, food, water, and energy security for peripheral areas. In 2018 she received the Civic Medal of Honor of the Comas District for her leadership in the community. Currently, she’s part of organizations such as Re Earth Initiative, Ollas Sostenibles, Latinas For Climate, and the Youth Environmental Commission of Peru representing the Lima and Callao regions, where she is also the youngest member.
Sofia directed the short film Pescando Oportunidades, which premiered at COP27 on November 2022, as a part of the grassroots campaign and audiovisual project ‘‘Life On The Frontlines’’ of Re Earth Initiative.
Yasmine is a National Organiser for Teach the Future (Wales). She is currently pursuing an MSc in Environment and Development at Cardiff University and holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from the American University of Beirut.
Her interest in Education for Sustainable Development was sparked during her time volunteering with People & Planet, where she assessed UK universities’ progress towards mainstreaming sustainability across the curriculum. Yasmine is also currently a fundraising volunteer at Giakonda Solar Schools—a charity which provides solar power and computer infrastructure to schools which do not have access to electricity.
Outside of work and education, Yasmine enjoys baking, exploring Wales’ natural sites, and video-calling her grandparents back home.
Carole Parkes is an Emeritus Professor of Responsible Management and Leadership and has both a business and academic background. Carole has been a champion for the UN backed Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) since its inception in 2007. She is a former Chair of the PRME Chapter UK & Ireland, member of the PRME Global Advisory Committee and UN PRME Special Advisor. Carole is a recipient of a PRME Pioneer Award ‘for her leadership and commitment to the development of PRME’. She is also a board member of Business in the Community (BITC), a governor of Fircroft College, an Associate of the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI) and a Fellow of the Environmental Association of Universities and colleges (EAUC). Carole is a journal and book editor and publishes on issues related to sustainability, responsible management and social justice including poverty as a challenge to business and management.
Ellen Fearon is the current president of NUS-USI
Ellen was elected by representatives of Northern Ireland’s students’ unions on a promise to “build a grassroots, mass movement of students, learners and apprentices across NI.”
Ellen is a former Law & Politics student from Queen’s University Belfast. She was elected as QUBSU’s Student Activities Officer and is passionate about student engagement, climate activism, workers’ rights, reproductive justice and free education. During her time at Queens she formed the award-winning QUBSU Climate Action Group which created and passed via referendum a ‘QUB Green New Deal’, demanding a carbon neutral University by 2030, fossil fuel divestment and embedding sustainability into curricula.
Hannah works as the Youth Activism and Campaigns Officer at Christian Aid, project managing the Prophetic Activist Scheme, a national volunteering scheme to train, equip and empower young people (18-30) to campaign for climate justice. Hannah also volunteers as a Charity Sphere Leader for Just Love, supporting graduates seeking to create change in the UK charity sector.
A graduate of Religious Studies, Hannah has worked for organisations such as World Vision, Tearfund and Christian Aid. She is passionate about youth engagement, digital campaigning and mobilising ordinary people to create big change.
Harriet has over 15 years experience of managing philanthropic investments on behalf of trusts, foundations and HNW individuals, delivering grant programmes on a range of climate, nature and human rights issues. She is co-founder of The Hour Is Late, a philanthropic sector consultancy, and is continually learning what it takes for civil society to 'shift the dial' on complex environmental and social challenges.
Harriet is a former trustee of the UK Environmental Funders Network and a regular contributor to EFN research and events. She is an active citizen in Bristol, her home city, where she is part of several campaigns on topics ranging from pesticide use to parent climate action.
Larissa Kennedy studies at the University of Warwick with a focus on Black feminism, social justice and climate justice in Latin America and the Caribbean. Alongside full-time study, Larissa is an editor at Shado Mag, an online and print magazine that builds community between artists, activists and journalists united in the fight for social justice. Further to this, Larissa is Global Young Leader at Women Deliver, campaigning alongside fellow youth activists and advocates in 130+ countries around the world who are advancing the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women.
Prior to this, Larissa was an elected student officer, serving as National President at NUS (2020-22) and Deputy President of Warwick Students’ Union (2018-19). Larissa also brings extensive experience from the youth sector, having formerly been on the Board of the British Youth Council and UK Youth Delegate to the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
A leading headteacher known for his work on Harmony Education, Richard is helping us extend our work into pre-16 education and advises us on Teach the Future.
Serene's passion for sustainability, diversity and empowering young people led her to SOS-UK. Serene has supported our work from its inception, feeding into the Teach the Future Campaign and sitting on the RACE report Advisory Group. As well as volunteering across SOS-UK, Serene also mentors students with protected characteristics.
Serene is currently a Consultant in the clean energy sector, with a focus on developing cross-sector strategic energy innovation programmes. Before that, she studied at the University of Leeds where she received a BEng, MEng in Energy Engineering. Whilst at Leeds, Serene occupied a number of roles in student representation. During her masters’ year, she was elected as Education Officer, becoming the first female BAME engineer to achieve this in the Union's history.
Zamzam was the President of the National Union of Students (NUS) from 2019–2020 where she was elected to represent the views of learners across the UK. Zamzam was SOS-UK's inaugural President alongside her role at NUS.
Zamzam is currently Vice President of European Students' Union and Vice Chair Muslim Leadership Foundation alongside her role as trustee at SOS-UK.
She’s finance graduate from the University of Salford, Manchester. She’s been a student representative for almost a decade leading work on a fully funded and just education system to tackle societal injustices, leading campaigns from; climate justice to tackling racial injustice.
If you're interested in joining our team, please see our Job Vacancies.
Our values are:
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SOS-UK is an education charity created by the student movement in 2019 in response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis.
We're proud to be members of SOS-International, joining student-led and student-focused organisations around the world to form a coordinated effort aiming to amplify the voices of students and influence global systemic change for sustainability.
We have separate governance and are financially independent from the National Union of Students (UK) although remain part of the broader NUS family, alongside Endsleigh Insurance and OneVoiceDigital.
SOS-UK is the charity partner of the TOTUM student discount scheme, using the donations made by students who sign up as members of TOTUM to deliver our transformational projects and campaigns.
Any wider partnerships will be considered under our partnerships policy.
SOS-UK only provides services to other organisations and does not subcontract any work to third parties at a scale significant enough to warrant an official tender process.
Any procurement we do is small-scale and typically only involves buying-in goods or services that count as overheads e.g. stationery or digital design services. In these cases, we assess all prospective suppliers against the criteria outlined in the Ethical Code of Conduct of our partner organisation NUS, as well as against SOS-UK’s partnerships policy, to ensure our suppliers share our values.
We also obtain quotes from multiple suppliers to ensure we are getting value for money whilst paying due regard to their sustainability credentials.
SOS-UK also employs a staff member to support NUS with its ethical supply chain work through the NUS purchasing consortium for students’ unions. This work better informs SOS-UK’s approach to this area e.g. when it conducts ethical screenings for potential funders or suppliers.