"After a decade working in educational leadership across both mainstream and alternative provision, I witnessed firsthand the pressing need for systemic change. At Impetus, I am committed to supporting and enabling colleagues to drive impact and empower organisations supporting young people across the UK."

“I've spent my career fighting for the rights and interests of young people around the world who are disadvantaged and marginalised – and joining Impetus as Director of Public Affairs is a natural next step in that work. Impetus is evidence-led and impact-driven to its core, identifying and delivering interventions that meaningfully improve education and employment outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. I am excited to drive this work forward on a national scale, working with key decision makers to achieve systemic change for young people.”

Read Claire's full bio here.

“When I volunteered with one of our partner organisations at an East London school, I saw that they had made a remarkable difference to young people - improving their grades at school and future aspirations. The charity was clear: they increased their impact by working with Impetus. This has given me confidence that the money I raise from donors really is a great investment.”

“How you give matters. For me there's no question: the Impetus model is the most effective way to create transformational change for young people experiencing poverty. And that's why I'm committed to helping philanthropists partner with us, to where their capital can have the greatest impact.”

“Ending a first meeting with a potential portfolio partner and saying to myself ‘this Chief Exec takes nothing for granted, is very reflective about her organisation's impact and is open about her leadership challenges' – that, was a very exciting moment, and the start of a great partnership.”

"Having been part of the Impetus portfolio for 10 years as a portfolio partner, I've experienced first hand the transformative difference Impetus makes to partner organisations, in turn benefitting thousands of children and young people with impactful delivery across the country, alongside powerful influencing work. I'm thrilled to be joining as CEO to take this work forward with a brilliant and inspiring team."

Susannah Hardyman MBE joined as Chief Executive in January 2025. 

Read Susannah's full bio here.