Charli was co-opted to the Board in January 2025 and brings with her expertise in children’s mental health, educational provision, equality, diversity and inclusion.

I was curious more than anything when I found out about Waldorf education. I’m a mum to a funny and smart seven-year-old boy that is never happier than at his once per term forest school, yet is tracking at below expected across all his subjects. When the opportunity came up to be part of the board stewarding the compelling strategy of Waldorf Learning Foundation, I jumped at the opportunity to be able to improve access to more creative education for all children, grounded in nature, including those like my son. I was similar as a child and I was fortunate enough for a time to attend an independent school not paying full fees, where my neurodivergent traits weren’t punished by detentions like many of my peers. I was frequently late and disorganised but to a degree I was permitted the metaphorical room to grow and develop my strengths. School non-attendance is as at all-time high, and I believe Waldorf education, particularly with its principles and holistic approach, has a meaningful contribution to the national conversation in addressing this. I really like the approach of holistic education that values the whole child, which feels complementary to the mission of the EDI work I champion.

I’ve worked in a number of leadership roles initially specialising in voice of the customer (VoC) programmes, before moving into inclusion in youth services and later into organisational culture, diversity, equity, inclusion and well-being. I’m currently the head of equity diversity and inclusion for Anna Freud, a leading children’s mental health charity.  I have been privileged to work across many national research and evaluation projects, with clinicians, further education and professional trainings, schools professionals and in the youth sector, and have broad experience in operations and communications.

I truly believe everyone has to be included in the conversation around equity diversity and inclusion if we are to truly manage to make the world a better place for our children. My undergraduate degree in anthropology and sociology has informed my approach working with adults, and also with children and young people, with an underlying commitment to never lose the golden thread of what connects us all.