Our people

Katriya Bulutoglu

Research Officer

Through her work, Katriya is particularly interested in diversity and inclusion, as well as how research methodology can bring communities together and amplify the voices of those so often left out of traditional research. Katriya joined The Young Foundation after graduating from university in 2020.

Lydia Ragoonanan

Senior Associate, Social innovation and investment

Lydia Ragoonanan is a senior associate who recently led the Inclusive Economy Partnership BOOST programme. She is an expert in designing and running social innovation projects, having previously worked at LORCA, Nesta, and for the New Zealand Transport Agency

Paul Oberg

Director of Finance and Corporate Resources

Paul joined The Young Foundation in 2021, having held a similar role with The Land Trust. Paul has 15 years’ experience in the charity and not-for-profit sector, having begun his career in the corporate world. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and brings experience across HR, and IT, as well as finance.

Richard Harries

Richard was previously a senior civil servant and deputy director of the independent think tank Reform. He has extensive experience of research and policymaking, and has advised governments all over the world on public service reform. Richard has published on a wide range of topics.

Rosie Farrer

Senior Associate

Joining The Young Foundation in 2020, Rosie’s passion is working with change-makers to make communities and cultures more effective and more meaningful. She is an experienced facilitator, coach, innovation mentor, and senior leader with an MSc in international development, and a BSc in psychology.

Salma Shah

Senior Researcher

Prior to joining The Young Foundation in June 2021, Salma led SEN provisions in a number of inner-town schools, specialising in supporting disaffected learners and families. She is a social entrepreneur with a profit-for-purpose business, and was a finalist in the Muslim Women Awards’ Entrepreneur of the Year 2021.

Samanthi Theminimulle

Senior Researcher

Samanthi joined the Young Foundation in 2022 after working at the RSA. She is interested in participatory research methods, inclusion and accessibility, and has experience working with marginalised communities. She is a peer-to-peer learning facilitator with Enrol Yourself, a volunteer with Toynbee Hall, and a trustee for the community land trust, RUSS.

Sarah Faber

Head of Ventures

Sarah manages the Young Academy Investment Fund and also runs other social innovation projects. She is a chartered accountant who worked in renewables project finance before becoming a financial advisor to charities and social enterprises.

Siân Whyte

Head of Strategic Design and Insight

Siân is passionate about delivering insights that enable organisations to increase their impact. She specialises in a range of methodological approaches, underpinned by research-focused BA and MSc degrees. Her role at The Young Foundation involves overseeing research and design projects for national and local clients.

Tania Carregha

Senior Researcher, Institute for Community Studies

Tania previously worked in consultancy for the health sector, and her background is in social psychology and social innovation. She has worked in Mexico City, Chicago, Rome and London, giving her an international perspective on community challenges. She is at her best when working creatively to develop solutions that improve people’s lives. 

Tate Gronow

Project Administrator

Tate joined The Young Foundation in the autumn of 2021. She provides administrative support for both the research department and the Peer Research Network. Tate was previously a research administrator at Tate Gallery in their Development department. She is passionate about openly discussing mental health and the ways in which we can empower ourselves and others.