Dragonfly Trust has emerged from 20 years delivering transformational learning to communities.
Experience and Expertise
Dragonfly Trust is a charitable organisation developed by the leaders behind the Social Enterprise Academy. For 20 years, SEA has been delivering social impact outcomes around the world.
Supported more than 34,000 adult learners to develop themselves and their organisations
Engaged more than 77,000 young people through social enterprise
Collaborated with more than 200 ecosystem partners globally
How does it work?
We focus on the people you fund, not your projects
Transformational learning means successful leadership and amplified project outcomes
We connect corporates and foundations
Collaboration achieves outcomes no single organisation could achieve alone
You set the objectives, we match the outcomes
Our approach delivers and reports the impact you look for - on your staff, your project and the world
Meet the Team
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Roland Brinkman
HEAD OF TRUST
Business mentor and investor who supports early stage companies and third sector organisations. His focus is on growth strategies and financial management. A Board member at SEA.
He started his career in corporate finance and subsequently was a senior manager at consulting firm Bain & Company. Roland was a founder partner at SL Capital Partners where he led investments across UK and Europe.
Passionate about social mobility, biodiversity and local sourcing.
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Neil McLean
HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS
Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Academy since December 2007.
His early career was in the private sector where he set and was MD of an IT consultancy firm. Since then, Neil has successfully built on SEA globally, and has served on several boards including Firstport, Impact Arts, Social Enterprise Scotland and SEA Africa, a joint venture based in Cape Town.
He is at the forefront of developing strategies for social enterprise and has an unparalleled network in the sector.
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Jakira Khanam
HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
A strategic leader with 20 years of experience in international cultural relations and international development.
Expertise in the design and development of multi-country programmes and partnerships supporting social impact. Extensive track record of working in multi-sector collaborations to deliver positive social change and a highly successful track record of business development with institutional donors.
Jakira is passionate about social justice, diversity and inclusion.
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Sara Johnston
GRADUATE LEARNING TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION OFFICER
Sara is an early career professional working on impact and contracts. She holds an undergraduate degree in Law and a Masters in Performance Psychology.
With a background in sport and coaching, she developed a strong interest in the relevance of performance psychology across a range of contexts, from professional sport to mountain rescue teams and organisational leadership.
Passionate about rural communities, social equality, and the environment, with a particular interest in active travel.
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Simon Lamb
BOARD MEMBER
Founder, Purposeful Change
Simon is a transformation specialist who helps organisations evolve through deep listening, co-creation and immersive design. His clients include Microsoft, Shell and HSBC.
He draws on a background in theatre, coaching and systems thinking to create large-scale programmes that shift culture and unlock leadership potential.
Passionate about human connection, imagination and building.
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David Sanderson
BOARD MEMBER
Departing CEO, Rank Foundation
David has led The Rank Foundation since 2011, overseeing its shift to a relationship-based approach to philanthropy. He champions place-based funding, leadership development and long-term social impact.
He previously served for 24 years in the British Army and holds an MBA. He is actively involved in charities and enterprises across the UK and Africa.
Passionate about social mobility, community and local sourcing.