Nikki Brown, Head of the OCS Foundation, leads OCS’s work to support communities and deliver lasting social impact. The Foundation is focused on creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive, alongside supporting wider community needs across the regions OCS serves. With a career shaped by supporting children and young people facing adversity, Nikki brings clarity, commitment and purpose to her role. Here, she reflects on her journey into the charitable sector, the experiences that have shaped her approach, and her priorities for the Foundation’s next phase.
Nikki Brown
Head of the OCS Foundation
What first inspired you to pursue a career in the charitable sector?
My interest in the charitable sector began at university, where I volunteered at a local charity shop. The real turning point came when I used the final instalment of my student loan to travel to South Africa. I spent several weeks volunteering at an orphanage and supporting a local school in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Seeing the challenges young people faced, alongside the resilience of the families caring for them, stayed with me. It shaped my decision to build a career focused on supporting others.
Where did your journey take you after returning from South Africa?
After returning home, I joined the Starfish Great Hearts Foundation, which supports children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS. I was drawn to its focus on helping children remain within their extended families and communities rather than in institutional care. That approach aligned strongly with my values and reinforced my commitment to the voluntary sector.
My career then took me to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich. Later, at Ipswich School, I worked on alumni engagement and the delivery of fully funded bursaries for young people who would otherwise not have access to that education. Supporting young people to reach their potential has been a constant thread throughout my career.
What attracted you to OCS and the Foundation?
The opportunity to help shape a young Foundation with a clear purpose was a strong draw. The People into Work programme stood out in particular. Knowing that OCS had already supported more than 600 people into employment showed what can be achieved when social value is embedded in the business.
There was clear potential to build on this work and extend the Foundation’s impact across the communities OCS serves.
Have you faced any challenges in the charitable sector that have shaped your approach?
Working in the charity sector often means operating within tight budgets, which encourages creativity and careful decision-making. When every activity must deliver maximum impact with limited resources, you learn to scrutinise each cost.
That discipline stays with you. Even when budgets are larger, I remain focused on ensuring every pound is used effectively, because any spend is money that does not go directly to the people who need it.
What have been some of your standout moments so far?
There are moments from across my career that have stayed with me, including meeting children in South Africa who were being cared for by grandparents after losing their parents. Experiences like these reinforce why this work matters.
One of my proudest moments at OCS has been the global success of the 125 Challenge. In a single week, colleagues across ten countries raised £37,500, with 736 people taking part. The sense of unity was powerful, showing what is possible when people come together around a shared purpose.
What advice would you give to colleagues who want to get involved in charity or social value work?
Volunteering is a meaningful place to start. Many charities rely on volunteers, and there is clear evidence of the positive impact volunteering can have on personal well-being. Whether someone can give an hour or make a regular commitment, it all makes a difference.
It also provides valuable insight into the range of roles and opportunities across the charitable sector.
What can colleagues expect from the OCS Foundation in the year ahead?
The OCS Foundation is still young, and there is much ahead. Colleagues can expect more opportunities to get involved, from local fundraising activities to another global challenge similar to the 125 Challenge.
We are also focused on sharing clearer evidence of the impact delivered through our partner organisations, so colleagues can see the difference their support makes in communities.
Do you have a message you would like to share with colleagues?
I would encourage colleagues to support the OCS Foundation in whatever way they can. For anyone who wants to learn more or get involved, the door is always open.
The Foundation belongs to all of us, and together we can continue to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.
