Our Story

Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA) was created with a clear purpose: to break the cycle of crime by opening doors to meaningful careers for people with previous convictions. As a not-for-profit organisation, we help employers deliver real opportunities on a national scale while enabling grassroots charities and social enterprises to focus on transforming lives through employment.

Across the UK, more than 100 grassroots charities work tirelessly to support individuals who are rebuilding their lives. These organisations achieve remarkable success rates of 75--95% in reducing reoffending, but they face significant barriers to scaling their efforts, including limited resources, regional funding challenges and working in isolation.

We're here to overcome these obstacles. Acting as a central voice for the sector, RFA brings together credible charities and social enterprises into a united network that delivers:

National opportunities for employers: Connecting businesses with a proven pipeline of candidates ready for meaningful careers.
Incremental funding for charities: Reducing their reliance on fundraising, so they can focus on creating employment opportunities.
Data-driven insights: Measuring and showcasing the social and economic value of placements, providing actionable insights for partners and government agencies.

By partnering with our expert network, businesses can mitigate risks, build inclusive workplaces and deliver measurable social value. Together, we create pathways to employment that transform lives, reduce reoffending and strengthen communities.

Mission & Values

RFA's mission is to help employers build inclusive, diverse workforces that reflect the communities they serve while empowering grassroots organisations to transform lives.

Our work is guided by six core values:

1. Integrity

We are committed to honesty and strong moral principles, recognising integrity as essential to driving meaningful change.

2. Respect

We treat every individual, organisation and partner with respect, building a culture of mutual understanding and collaboration.

3. Accountability

We empower all partners to take responsibility for their actions, ensuring transparent and beneficial outcomes.

4. Leadership

Our leadership is strong, diverse and inclusive, reflecting voices from UK public transport, the third sector, government and academia.

5. Strength

By working together, we build a resilient and adaptable foundation to overcome challenges and minimise risks.

6. Impact

We prioritise effective measurement to celebrate success and continuously improve our initiatives, ensuring lasting results.

Meet the team

Gemma Thomas
Head of Human Resources Wales and Borders, Network Rail
Gemma Thomas is an experienced HR leader with a career spanning the automotive, airline and rail industries. With a Law degree and a passion for workforce transformation, she played a key role in the Modernising Maintenance programme, driving cost efficiency and safety improvements during a period of industrial action. Committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Gemma works to enhance social value in the transport sector, collaborating with schools and businesses to build a diverse talent pipeline.

Kay Coleman
Managing Director, Swanson Buck Ltd
Kay Coleman brings over 30 years of experience across retail, property management and higher education. Formerly in senior leadership roles at Teesside University, she developed expertise in business support services and procurement. Holding a Business Degree, MBA and PRINCE2 certification, Kay now supports commercial and charity clients. Kay works closely with businesses and charities to secure contracts and funding.

Alexi Ozioro
Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs, RSSB
Alexi Ozioro is the Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs at the Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB), where he leads political engagement and advocates for the rail industry in Westminster. With extensive experience working at senior levels, Alexi has developed campaigns and strategies that influence policy across various sectors. His expertise in government relations, coupled with a background in international relations and public affairs, is invaluable to RFA's mission.

Chris Leech MBE
Principlal Consultant UK Public Transport
Chris Leech MBE is a multi-International-award-winning social value impact and youth crime mitigation consultant and brings over 26 years of experience in the rail industry. He created the first community engagement role to reduce youth route crime which led to the creation of Track-Off Campaign a national framework resulting in a 54% reduction in route crime across the UK. A Principal Consultant who previously led membership development at the Rail Safety & Standards Board, significantly expanding its global portfolio across three continents. Known for his expertise in building strong commercial relationships, Chris is an experienced non-exec-Director who firmly believes that the prosperity of business and society are intrinsically linked. One cannot succeed without the other.

Peter Wilkinson
Major Rail Projects Director, DfT
Peter Wilkinson is the Major Rail Projects Director at the Department for Transport (DfT), where he shapes some of England’s largest rail investment projects. Previously, he was Managing Director of Passenger Services at DfT, overseeing public finances and the procurement of passenger rail services. As well as being a Non-Executive Director at Rebuilding Futures Alliance, Peter is an Ambassador for White Ribbon, working to eliminate male violence against women and girls.

Nick Millington MBE
Network Rail Route Director
Nick Millington MBE, Interim Route Director for Network Rail’s Wales and Borders, was awarded an MBE for his services to the railway, charity and the NHS. He led the creation of the Nightingale Hospital in Exeter and coordinated a large-scale vaccination centre. Nick also spearheaded the UK Rail for Ukraine relief train, delivering 1,500 tonnes of aid. A Mental Health Champion and fundraiser, he has raised over £250,000 for CLIC Sargent and supports diversity and the next generation of engineers through the Permanent Way Institution.

Sharron Clow
HR/Social Value Consultant
Sharron Clow brings extensive expertise in human resources and social sustainability. As Director of Legacy Strategies Ltd, she has led transformative HR and recruitment strategies, with a focus on social value, equality, diversity and inclusion. Sharron has worked across the construction and rail industries, delivering impactful initiatives such as Strategic Labour Needs and Training (SLNT), responsible procurement and recruitment strategies targeting underrepresented groups. Career leadership roles include major organisations: Crossrail, South Western Railway and Thames Tideway.

Jan Garrill
Deputy Lord Lieutenant North Yorkshire
Jan Garrill was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire in 2023. She brings extensive experience from a career spanning the public and private sectors. Currently the Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, Jan also serves as a trustee of the Henry Smith Charity, Yorkshire Funders and is a director of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. She chairs the board of Better Connect, a not-for-profit organisation delivering partnership programmes for SMEs and charities. Jan is also a fellow of Langwith College at the University of York and a dedicated volunteer at her community-owned shop.

Dr Louise Cheeseman
NED Go-Ahead Group
Dr Louise Cheeseman is a Non-Executive Director at The Go-Ahead Group, bringing extensive leadership experience from across the transport sector. With a distinguished career that includes roles as Director of Buses at Transport for London and Managing Director of Hull Trains, Louise is recognised for her strategic vision and commitment to driving innovation and inclusivity. As founder and Chair of Women in Bus and Coach, she has championed greater representation and diversity across the industry.

Elaine Clark OBE
CEO Rail Forum
Elaine Clark OBE is the Chief Executive of the Rail Forum, where she leads the organisation's strategic priorities, daily operations and engagement with government and industry stakeholders. Awarded an OBE in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours, Elaine has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to the UK rail supply chain. She plays a key role in driving sector deal activities, promoting collaboration among members and championing the importance of a thriving, innovative rail industry.