Dr. Balwant Singh – Chief Executive
With Balwant’s leadership, the Trust has developed a new and focused strategy; created new partnerships and strengthened existing ones; expanded access to quality education and life opportunities for children and young people; and established a robust programme of research to inform grant making. Prior to taking on the helm at The Trust, Dr Singh was Global Director of a US$41m initiative across Africa and Asia funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he spearheaded the development and testing of innovative ways to address high levels of maternal and child mortality. Earlier roles include Regional Director for South & Central Asia with Save the Children, leading eight country teams and directing humanitarian and development work in education, health, child protection and nutrition; Director of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in India; Director of International Programmes at International Family Health in London, where he led programmes in 14 countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe; CEO of Chance UK in London; Executive Director of Doctors of the World in New York; Country Director with Project HOPE in Russia; and senior roles in development and health in Sweden and Singapore. Originally from Singapore, Balwant is a physician with an MBA with top honors, and also holds a postgraduate diploma in health services management.
Andrew Vivian – Programme and Grants Manager
Andrew is responsible for managing The Trust's portfolio of grants, working with partners to support educational projects in India and the UK. Prior to joining the Trust in 2012, Andrew was the International Programmes Manager at the University of London, managing a number of distance learning education programmes with a focus on open access, quality assurance and widening participation for students. Prior to this, Andrew worked for a number of years in the field of international education, teaching in the UK and Canada. He has over six years’ experience working at the British Council, delivering grant funded educational programmes in partnership with various UK government departments, the EU and corporate donors. During this time Andrew specialised in establishing international school partnership programmes between the UK and East Asia.
Suzanne Davies – Finance Manager
Suzanne is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years' experience in both the commercial and charitable environments. Suzanne's commercial experience includes working in the general audit practice at BDO Stoy Haward, in private equity at Lazard Development Capital and as both an external adviser and internal Finance Director of Corporate Finance at Smith & Williamson. Suzanne also runs her own property management business and is Treasurer to Beanstalk, the childrens reading charity and Board Member and Chair of Audit to Origin Housing.
Andy Arthurson – Office Manager
After studying Education at university, Andy worked in various roles before returning to the education sector with Young Enterprise, the UK’s largest Enterprise Education Charity, working initially as the administrator before being promoted to the position of Office and Administration Manager. He successfully led the London regional back office team through the fastest period of growth the region experienced. Most recently, Andy was the National Education Support Manager for Young Enterprise UK. Andy has proven experience in implementing and maintaining office systems, and has gained over eight years experience in the charitable sector.