CEO

Kirpal has over 30 years of experience in telecoms, banking, and technology in the UK. In 2004, she transitioned to the third sector, becoming CEO of Home-Start Barnet, where she developed comprehensive family support programs and innovative support models. Her leadership elevated Home-Start Barnet to one of the UK’s leading local branches. Trained in various parenting programs, she focuses on health and wellbeing initiatives for low-income families.

In 2020, Kirpal became CEO of Home-Start Worldwide. She has served as a trustee for several charities, been a school governor, and is currently chair of the Beacon Lodge Charitable Trust. Kirpal holds a BA in Business and IT, an MBA, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and offering pro bono support to local charities.

Communications

Sophie has over a decade’s experience in fundraising and communications, including positions at Cancer Research UK and John Lewis & Partners. She joined Home-Start Worldwide in 2024 as a volunteer and then on a part-time professional basis to continue to lead our communications, including social media, branding and fundraising support.

Chair

Jacqueline holds a BSc in Psychology, an MSc in Educational Psychology, and a PhD in Developmental Psychology. With over 40 years of academic experience in the UK and USA, her work focuses on disadvantaged families, social and emotional development in preschool children, and interventions for vulnerable mothers and children. She directed the National Evaluation of Sure Start in England and has consulted for government health and education programs. Jacqueline has edited notable journals and is now Professor Emerita at Birkbeck, an Honorary Research Fellow at UCL and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and other societies. 

Deputy Chair

Oliver established Hickson Communications in November 2010 after leaving the Central Office of Information. His agency specializes in public sector and charity communications, strategy, and behavior change best practices. Since 2012, Oliver has been a consultant and trainer for Mediatrust, providing strategic communications training for the BIG Lottery Fund and conducting audits for Euradia. Since May 2018, he has completed over 35 communications audits for Comic Relief, Big Local, and John Lyon’s Trust, working with beneficiaries like youth clubs and refugee centers. His focus is on strategic vision, messaging, and objectives, with expertise in strategic development and fundraising for the charitable sector. 

Treasurer

Ricky became the board’s Treasurer in August 2023. With a career primarily in the Financial Services sector, he is currently a Partner at Davies, a global management consultancy. He holds a Business Studies degree from the University of Sunderland, an AICPA/CIMA certificate in Islamic Finance, and various Blockchain certifications.  A native English speaker, Ricky also speaks German and Arabic. As a father of five, Ricky finds that the values and objectives of Home-Start services resonate with his own principles. 

Board Member

Yukie Yamada has over 20 years of corporate experience in tourism and interior design. In 1996, she joined Junior Chamber International, an NGO of young social entrepeneurs as a volunteer and certified trainer. Since 2007, she has led Home-Start Japan as National Director, facilitating over 100 local schemes and in 2017 she organized the HSW Global Conference in Tokyo. 

Board Member

Ton spent most of his career with the City of Rotterdam, holding various positions including head of the Youth Affairs department, which subsidized welfare organisations. He also served as interim manager on large projects and as Clerk of the Boroughs for Feijenoord and Ijsselmonde. Since retiring, Ton has been a consultant with SESAM Academy, which supports social organisations in policy, finance, marketing, communication, and volunteer management. SESAM’s consultants are retired professionals who use their experience to enhance social organisations. Ton has also supported migrant organisations, theatre management, and Home-Start throughout his career. 

Board Member

Federica holds a PhD in Education and Psychology and has built her career across Italy, France, and Spain. Since 2016, she has been a member of the Family and Childhood Research Group (GIFI) at the University of Oviedo and of the NIERU Association for the promotion of child well-being. Her work focuses on improving interventions for children and young people in and leaving care. She has experience in programme implementation and evaluation, quality assessment, and professional training. Since 2022, she has been Chief Operating Officer of HS Spain, and since 2025, a Board Member of HSW.

Board Member

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Kate gained a BA from McGill University then moved over to London for an MSc at University College London. Kate works in International Development, and has extensive experience in fundraising, international operations, and partnership management and engagement.

Advisor

Alžběta co-founded HoSt Home-Start Czech Republic specialising in work with families at risk in 2003. As Director, she expanded the service to 4 regions of the Czech Republic and integrated therapeutic work into family support as well as co-founding Home-Start in Tanzania. Alžběta is a certified psychodynamic psychotherapist and certified child Gestalt therapist. On stepping down as Director of HoST in 2024 she has focused on her private practice Terapie ACM offering psychotherapy and psychological counselling to adults, children and couples. Alžběta advises HSW on learning and development.

Advisor, Technology

Craig has a nearly 25-year career in technology, focusing on support, design, and management in sectors such as law enforcement, central government, and child protection. He advises Home-Start Worldwide on digital policy, governance, and technology management. Locally, he volunteers for charity and has managed an amateur sports association. Craig enjoys supporting his community and influencing organizations like Home-Start Worldwide. He also spends time with his young family, engaging in outdoor activities like cycling and angling with his two sons. 

Advisor

Sheena brings 15 years of experience in international banking with Citibank in Africa, where she honed her expertise in financial services. She began her career as a post-graduate ‘stagiaire’ at the European Commission and later served as a consultant for UNECOSOC on investment regulation. Sheena holds an MBA from Wharton and has earned the Financial Times Non-Executive Director (NED) Diploma. She is a member of the Institute of Fundraising and the Royal African Society. Currently, Sheena advises Home-Start Worldwide on good governance and supports partners across Africa.

Volunteer, Graphic Design

I specialise in creating visually compelling impact reports that turn complex information into clear, engaging visuals. I love transforming important data into exciting infographics that not only look beautiful but make meaning instantly accessible. Volunteering with Home‑Start Worldwide is one of the most rewarding parts of my creative practice, this work continually reminds me why I love what I do.

Volunteer, Website

Since retiring from my own successful software development company, I have been involved with Home-Starts across the UK as Treasurer, Chair and Website Developer. I currently volunteer for 6 Home-Starts and in 2024 was voted Home-Start Digital Volunteer of the Year. I also work with several other family based charities which, as a big family man myself, is a passion.

Volunteer, Research Support

Lucy is a Research Support Volunteer at Home-Start Worldwide, contributing to research work, including annual reports, related administrative tasks and dissemination activities. Working under the guidance and supervision of Professor Jacqueline Barnes, Lucy supports the organisation’s evidence and learning work across the Home-Start network. She has a background in Public Health and social research, with an interest in community-based approaches to wellbeing and the role research can play in supporting learning and reflecting the value of this work.