The Board

Based in Wolverhampton, Ian Budd traded his public sector leadership in education, social care, culture, and leisure for a new journey towards Anglican ordination. A stroke survivor, he channels his resilience and passion into serving others. Parkruns, hillwalking and football fuel his spirit, whilst his ordination path promises a future full of compassion and dedication.

Louise joined as a Trustee in 2022. Louise is the Deputy Principal at City of Wolverhampton College, a role she has held since 2022.  

Louise joined the college as Quality Improvement Director in 2014, having responsibility for quality development and improvements, including the design and delivery of excellence teaching, learning and assessment.

Following a move into an Assistant Principal role, Louise was appointed as Vice Principal in March 2020. As well as continuing to have responsibility for quality, her remit was extended to include responsibility for marketing, safeguarding, additional learning support (ALS) and supporting special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as student entitlement areas such as admissions, careers etc. in addition to and business learning technologies. 

Louise began her career in further education in 2004 as a lecturer and has held several roles in a college setting after spending time in training roles in the public and private sector.  

Cherry is a Senior Associate in Brabners Development Team. She specialises in property development and is also a member of their Sport sector. She handles site diligence, acquisitions, disposals and property financing matters.

She acts for regional and national developer and investor clients across a range of sectors.

Cherry has over four years’ experience in real estate law, commercial investment and development. She has worked for a large international commercial law firm and has been involved with a number of large-scale commercial real estate transactions in the health and social care sector.

Alison oversees all philanthropic income generating activities and the Marketing team in her role as Director of Fundraising for Onside. The Fundraising team raises money from private individuals, corporates and charitable foundations for the following areas: new YZ capital projects; the first three/four years of revenue expenditure for new YZs, the bulk of fundraising is undertaken in the pre-opening; and funding for OnSide’s own revenue costs. Additionally Alison and her team raises income from trusts, foundations & statutory funders for Network projects, i.e. projects that take place across open YZs. The Marketing team focuses on enhancing the OnSide brand; developing and marketing individual YZ brands for new projects; and raising OnSide’s profile in the national press.

Currently serving as Head of Organizational Development & Staff Engagement at Wolverhampton Homes, Sarah demonstrates a deep passion for people and commitment to unlocking their potential. As the strategic lead for their early careers programs, Sarah actively advances and develops young talent, aligning with the City of Wolverhampton’s priorities for its youth.

Outside of work, Sarah cultivates a love for gardening and enjoys countryside walks with their two canine companions. Whether nurturing talent or blooming beauty, Sarah embodies a passion for growth and making a positive impact.

Ash Raju is a successful entrepreneur and the Owner/Operator of two McDonald’s Restaurants located in the city of Wolverhampton. With an impressive career spanning over 34 years. Ash’s journey with McDonald’s began as a part-time crew member while he studied in Architecture at Dudley College.

During this time, he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for growth. Recognising his potential, McDonald’s provided Ash with numerous opportunities to upskill and grow. Over the years, Ash’s dedication and hard work paid off, leading him to take on more responsibilities within the company. He quickly climbed the corporate ladder, assuming various managerial roles and gaining valuable experience in operations, consulting, and team management.

Throughout his career, Ash has consistently demonstrated his passion for the McDonald’s brand and his commitment to people excellence. His journey from a part-time crew member to a successful McDonald’s Owner/Operator is proof of his hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and shows the endless possibilities that can be achieved through dedication and determination.