Head of Programmes
The Role:
Empire Fighting Chance
The Client:
By partnering with England Boxing, the charity has amplified its reach. They train local boxing clubs to deliver Empire programmes in their communities. These programmes have supported 11,000 young people and raised over £1.5 million in funding. The organisation also works with local authorities in South Wales, helping them replicate the successful Empire model in deprived areas.
Empire Fighting Chance inspires young people to realise their potential through non-contact boxing and psychologically informed support. Initially a small boxing project, it has evolved into a national charity that’s combating the destructive effects of inequality on young people. The organisation’s innovative blend of boxing and psychology directly supports over 5,000 young people per year, helping transform their mindset. Despite facing chronic adversity, these young people are achieving remarkable outcomes, including returning to school, leaving gangs, building positive relationships, securing employment, and experiencing improved health.
Empire Fighting Chance was aiming to further expand its impact with more trained partners, both domestically and internationally. They want to play a more active role in supporting disadvantaged communities in Bristol through investment and collaboration. The charity aims to develop globally recognised approaches that can make a significant and lasting impact on young people's lives, while also maximising their impact in Bristol. We helped them find a Head of Programmes who could realise this vision.
This was our first campaign partnering with Empire Fighting Chance. After following their work closely for a few years and supporting them at multiple events, we were excited to learn more about the organisation.
The campaign was coordinated by Sandy Hinks, Head of our Charity Practice, and Leighann Beck, our Executive Search Consultant. Firstly, they met with Empire’s leadership team to gain a deep understanding of their culture and the unique demands of the Head of Programmes role. Specifically, how this individual would expand their impact and achieve long-term objectives.
The role required a strategic thinker who could balance long-term objectives with day-to-day operations. They would adapt the delivery methods and support programmes to the changing needs of young people, requiring a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young people today. The Head of Programmes also needed the ability to inspire and develop a staff team, and forge strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. As with most of our searches, the successful candidate needed to be a strong cultural fit for the organisation.
Our bespoke programme of headhunting, advertising and interviewing produced a pool of talented candidates. Further interviews refined this pool to a shortlist of individuals who fulfilled the requirements of the brief and were aligned with Empire’s mission and values. We presented the shortlist to Empire’s leadership team with a detailed report on how each candidate’s skills and experience positioned them to succeed as Head of Programmes. We’re delighted that they appointed one of our recommended candidates, Megan Knowelden.
Megan is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience in managing and developing impactful programmes. As the former Head of Department for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Adult Inclusive Studies at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College, she was responsible for creating several innovative, community-based health and wellbeing initiatives.
Further showcasing her commitment to inclusive education, Megan co-founded In2Sport, a dedicated programme that helps ex-offenders and individuals overcoming addiction launch careers in the fitness industry. She also brings proven managerial skills, having successfully led a diverse team of 25 staff. Megan's values and principles align perfectly with Empire Fighting Chance, and her skills are ideally suited to expand the organisation's impact and support more young people.
Martin Bisp, CEO, Empire Fighting Chance, commented:
“Moon provided a selection of strong candidates that were exactly what we asked for. Sandy and Leighann were very helpful throughout the recruitment process, providing invaluable insight and guidance.”
Sandy Hinks commented:
“We’ve followed the work of Empire Fighting Chance for many years now, so we were excited to partner with them and learn more about their work. The organisation’s unique support has helped so many young people in Bristol, and their partnerships are supporting many more across the country. We’re proud to be a part of their journey and to contribute towards their long-term vision”
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