50 Years, 50 Faces: Sarah Rance

My name is Sarah Rance and I am the Project Manager for ‘Stay Settled in Newham‘, an initiative set up by Newham Council, of which the Renewal Programme are leading partners, to help support EU citizens living in Newham with their EUSS applications.

I had previously been working as a self-employed early years practitioner, for ten years, before I transferred to the third sector in 2016. Having had the privilege of working on multiple projects, both national and international programmes, I worked as a Senior Project Coordinator for an international education charity before I joined the Renewal Programme.

Our campaigns resulted in me securing youth presence and escorting youth volunteers to the United Nations General Assembly in  New York 2019. My experience over the last five years have lead me to community based organisations. This is where I can see the most direct impact of my work.

I originally heard about the organisation, and it’s importance and varied work, through a previous colleague of mine – who now happens to be a current employee too!

After the Renewal Programme successfully won a bid, from the London Borough of Newham, in April 2021, I joined the charity as Project Lead to support Newham residents in securing their settled, or pre-settled, status through their EU status applications. Whilst my contract is short, the project is incredibly important.

What does the organisation mean to me?

Having been warmly welcomed to the charity, every member of staff has been eager to inform me about their areas of work and to explore the opportunities for partnership working. I feel like I have joined at an exciting time. The organisation are building upon the solid foundations and expertise gained over the past 50 years.

Personally, I believe that the Renewal Programme is an example of the very best of a community based charity; it allows me to align my personal values and ambitions with my professional work. It also provides me with a chance to be involved in a high impact, high value work, reaching those who need and deserve support. The Renewal Programme is as much a resident of the borough as its service users.

I applaud and recognise its successful work carried out by a strong and diverse team, for a strong and diverse community.