Director of Public Policy & Partnerships
Erik has been with John Lyon’s Charity since 2008. As Director of Public Policy & Partnerships, Erik is responsible for maintaining the close links between the Charity and the Local Authorities in the Charity’s Beneficial Area as well as with Regional and Central Government. Erik also nurtures relationships with other external organisations, Trusts and Foundations and the wider CYP voluntary sector outside the Beneficial Area. In 2014 Erik embarked on a journey to establish Young People’s Foundations (YPFs) to support the local CYP sector and foster collaboration between the voluntary, private and public sectors. There are now over 60 YPFs and Local Youth Partnerships (LYPs) nationally. There is also a national umbrella organisation, the YPF Trust, where Erik is the Chair. Erik also oversees the Charity’s grantmaking approach towards the Community Sector; those projects focused outside of schools including Youth Clubs, BME and Refugee led organisations and Supplementary Schools. Outside of work, Erik is a School Governor of his local Secondary Comprehensive, Highams Park School.