Deputy CEO shortlisted for prestigious Charity Times Awards
29 June 2023
Action Tutoring’s deputy CEO, Jen Fox, has been shortlisted in the Supporting Leader of the Year category for the Charity Times Awards. In its 24th year, the Charity Times Awards recognises and celebrates outstanding leaders and professionals in the charity sector.
Since joining Action Tutoring in 2015, Jen has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to making high-quality education accessible for all. Susannah Hardyman, founder and CEO of Action Tutoring, said the nomination is a clear testament to Jen’s phenomenal leadership skills, resilient spirit, and drive for transformational positive change.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to have Jen’s skills and contributions recognised publicly in this way. Jen has transformed the delivery of our programmes, in particular developing our curriculum and tutoring resources, driving improvements in tutor training and ensuring impact remains at the heart of all we do.”
Susannah Hardyman
Rose to the challenge
Having worked across a multitude of roles in the last seven years at the education charity, ranging from Programme and Curriculum Director to Director of Transformation, Quality, and Impact, Jen has consistently modelled excellence in all of her work and relationships.
Appointed interim CEO twice before being promoted to Deputy CEO in 2022, Jen navigated the charity through one of its most turbulent academic years to date. During the Covid-19 pandemic with multiple school closures, Jen rose to the challenge and was at the forefront of launching the online tutoring delivery in record time.
Bedrock of support
Jen’s undeterred leadership and love for innovation and quality improvement have enabled us to make online tutoring delivery a permanent feature, build impact evidence, and support more disadvantaged young people in new geographies.
As a bedrock of support to our CEO in a fulfilling but tough sector, Jen has constantly maintained a laser-sharp focus on our mission to unlock the full potential of the young people we support.
“Jen is an inspiration for all of us to work with – always looking to challenge herself and the team to drive improvements and make a profound difference in the lives of disadvantaged young people and communities we serve.”
Susannah Hardyman
The 24th Charity Times Awards is set for 20th September 2023 at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, where the winners selected by an expert independent judging panel will be publicly announced.
102 miles in 24 hours: Ultramarathon fundraiser for disadvantaged children
1 June 2023
Andreas takes on the 102-mile ultramarathon fundraiser to raise £3000 for Action Tutoring
Andreas Vassiliou has been volunteering as a tutor with Action Tutoring since January this year. Each week, makes time to provide maths tutoring to pupils in community schools in Lambeth and Islington, London.
After experiencing first-hand the value of tutoring and our consistent advocacy in education, Andreas has become a strong proponent of Action Tutoring’s mission. He believes in the charity’s work to help pupils make meaningful academic progress as a means to open doors to better future opportunities.
“I have seen first hand the impact Action Tutoring has, and I also admire the determination of Action Tutoring to advocate for policy changes at the national level”
Andreas
In May, Andreas decided to up his support by taking on a daunting, personal fundraising challenge – a 24-hour ultramarathon.
When Andreas was deciding to take on this test of endurance for charity, he knew two things: he would run to fundraise for Action Tutoring and this challenge would massively push his physical and mental capabilities.
“This challenge came to mind whilst sitting on my sofa only a couple of months ago and Action Tutoring immediately came to mind as a charity I will do it for.”
Andreas
Run as many miles
His determination was to run as many miles as he could in 24 hours. After arming himself with all the essential snacks and smoothies to fuel him in his pursuit, Andreas was off.
He ran along the London Thames path and even took on the Southwark Parkrun around the 18th hour of his marathon.
Mentally tough
Andreas had ups and downs throughout the run, with the last two hours being the toughest mentally. However, he had incredible support all throughout the challenge, with friends and family lifting his spirits at the start of the run and some even doing parts of the run with him at different points.
“The final two hours on my own were mentally tough and I couldn’t manage more than 20 metres of jogging by the end. I had incredible support throughout as I did Southwark Park Run on Saturday morning with a big group of friends and family which really lifted my spirits.”
Andreas
Funds from ultramarathon fundraiser
By the end of the arduous run, Andreas had raised a total of £3000 for Action Tutoring. The amount can cover the purchase of 500 workbooks or train 48 more volunteer tutors to expand academic support to more children facing disadvantage.
“On the fundraising front, I used social media – Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, whatever it is to spread the word.“
Andreas
Andreas’ family and friends cheered him on at the end of the exhausting 102-mile run. After catching some breath, Andreas enjoyed a well-deserved Korean meal as a reward for the vigorous and inspiring fundraising effort.
Outside your comfort zone
Reflecting on the run and sharing lessons for others wishing to take on a walk, run, cycle, or hike for charity in the future, Andreas recommends setting realistic goals. However, he will challenge people to also go the extra mile to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
“If a goal doesn’t scare you a little it probably isn’t challenging enough! I’m a strong believer in growth coming from outside your comfort zone.”
Andreas
Taking on a fundraising challenge for charity can be very rewarding and fulfilling. If you are wondering how you can contribute to our work, find out more about getting involved with fundraising, volunteering, donations or advocacy to support young people facing disadvantage.
