Meet the Team
The Community Engaged Learning Team manages the Student Volunteering and Community Engaged Learning programmes at the University of York.
Sarah Rafferty
Community Engaged Learning Manager
I live in York, but I am originally from Wales. I love being outdoors enjoying walks or paddleboarding and if I get the chance, around looking after my toddler, scuba diving.
What do I do?
- Building partnerships with charities, museums,and schools to identify student project opportunities.
- Connecting with academic departments to support Community Projects in the curriculum.
- Supporting students to deliver projects, leading sessions on project management, teamwork and reflective skills.
- Researching the impact of volunteering on students and the community.
Angela Purdham
Community Engaged Learning Manager ESAY Sustainability Clinic
I live in York with my husband, daughter and cat. We love exploring the city and surrounding areas and think we’re hugely lucky to have so much on our doorstep! In my spare time I love running and curling up on the sofa with a good book or a tv drama (two extremes)!
What do I do?
- Lead on Community Partnerships for the Sustainability Clinic
- Connect with Community Organisations, Local Government and Businesses to help them tackle sustainability challenges
- Support students on the Sustainability Clinic, lead sessions to develop project management, team work, communication and reflective skills
Jacqui Fountain
Operations Manager
I live on the outskirts of York and have 2 children, one at Uni and the other starting Uni soon. In my spare time I play netball, watch a lot of footie (mainly my son playing), love going to the cinema and spending time with family and friends.
What do I do?
- Oversee our student volunteering programmes
- Manage our Charity Volunteering programme and Partner Relationships
- Key contact for the University Community Fund
- Manage the Annual Student Community and Volunteering Awards
- Represent the team at our Community Volunteering Committee
Meryl Parker
Community Projects Officer
I live in York but I’m originally from the North Yorkshire coast! In my free time I love experimenting in the kitchen, getting lost in a good book, and exploring the local countryside.
What do I do?
- Coordinate our central Community Project volunteering programme, working with charities and local organisations to develop short-term volunteering projects.
- Support students with training in project management, planning and reflection, and give guidance throughout their volunteering project
- Develop opportunities for students to develop their skills and have a positive social impact in the community
Leanne Shaw
York Students in Schools Project Officer
I completed four YSIS placements when studying at York, which sparked my interest in education. After nearly 10 years teaching maths, I now love leading the programme and helping volunteers make their own impact on children and young people.
What do I do?
- Coordinate the York Students in Schools (YSIS) volunteering programme, placing students in local schools and nurseries for short term placements
- Support students with training and guidance throughout their volunteering.
- Build relationships with schools to understand their needs.
- Develop opportunities for students to engage with and inspire young people.
Eva Gregg
Careers Compliance Administrator (Mon to Weds)
I arrived in York as a maths student ten years ago and now live here with my husband and two young children. I used to often be found in a tea shop with an earl grey and a good book, or walking in the Yorkshire Dales. These days it’s the local playpark or building Lego with my son.
What do I do?
- Manage student safeguarding checks for student volunteering and community engaged activities.
- Supporting students with guidance on safeguarding checks and other administration.
- Support Community Partners and Employers with the admin and approval of external opportunities.