STEPUP
Partnership
Closed for new delivery partnersParticipants
Open for new participantsLocation
York and North YorkshireAudience
Adults aged 18+ in York and North YorkshireDeadline
March 2027What is STEPUP?
STEP-UP, Skills to Empower People & Unlock Potential, is an innovative skills-based partnership programme designed to help people across York and North Yorkshire gain confidence, develop practical skills, and re-engage with education.
Better Connect has been awarded £700,000 through the The Mayoral Combined Authority’s Skills Innovation Fund to run this exciting scheme.
Building on the success of our three-year Multiply contract, we will lead and deliver STEP-UP in partnership with 30 local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
The programme runs from 30th September 2025 to 31st March 2027.
How does it work?
STEP-UP goes beyond traditional education by delivering a hidden curriculum of learning. Through the programme, our partners will weave numeracy, literacy, digital skills, and independent living skills into creative activities that inspire lifelong learning.
Our mission is to:
- Support adults who feel disconnected from learning
- Provide opportunities to upskill, build confidence and encourage community
- Help people overcome barriers to education, training, and employment
- Foster a positive and inclusive approach to lifelong learning and formal education
Sessions will be delivered either as holistic 1:1 support, or through group workshops.
Who are our partners?
STEP-UP is powered by 30 VCSE partners, each bringing their own expertise and specialisms to the programme. From employability, to bushcraft, to innovative bitesize courses on energy and literacy, our partners are offering a wide variety of fun, free, and creative learning opportunities tailored to local needs.
Our partners cover:
- Hambleton
- Craven
- Harrogate
- Richmond
- Ryedale
- Scarborough
- Selby
- York
Check out our partner map to see who's delivering in your local area!
Click HereHow can you get involved?
Want to get involved? STEP-UP is open to adults aged 18+ across York and North Yorkshire who want to build skills, confidence, and access new opportunities.
If you’d like to join the programme or refer someone else, you can:
- Chat to our team: programmes@betterconnect.org.uk / 01423 795300
- Contact one of our local delivery partners directly here, to find out what’s happening in your area
The Team
Alex Kelley
Programmes Director
01423 795309 or ext 2001akelley@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Alex
Alex’s is the Programmes Director at Better Connect, overseeing the amazing programmes that we manage across the organisation. Leading and supporting the Programmes and Impact Team, Alex’s role has a strong focus on development. This includes developing staff, systems, processes and relationships with delivery partners, funders and stakeholders. All to ensure that Better Connect programmes are successful, achieve their aims and ultimately transform people’s lives. Alex is also an Executive Director and member of the Board, contributing to the strategic direction of the company. The best bit of his job is seeing the life-changing impact that Better Connect programmes have on those involved.
“We choose our joys and our sorrows long before we experience them.”
— Kahlil Gibran
The Official Bit
Alex has a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and a PTLLS teaching qualification. Alex began his career in customer service, moved to work in banking and then joined Better Connect following University in 2012. He felt a strong connection to the values and work within the community sector and has developed his career within the Better Connect, progressing from an Assistant to his current role as Programmes Director. Along the way, Alex has worked across almost every aspect of the company. For Alex, the most important part of work is feeling as though it is meaningful and that it is making a positive difference to society.
Fun Fact
Becomes overly competitive when playing sport or games
Piece of Advice
Count your blessings, every day.
Christine Brass
Relationship Manager
01423 795306 or ext 2014cbrass@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Christine
Christine’s role as a Relationship Manager sees her manage the relationships and collaboration with our partner organisations across each of our programmes.
Her primary objective, is to support effective partnerships through working together to share best practice, build relationships and champion our partnership approach – enabling us to deliver successful and meaningful programmes.
Her key focus is to provide proactive management support for the partnership and the funders.
“What worries you, masters you - John Locke”
The Official Bit
Christine developed her skills whilst working for many years in the Financial Sector in Customer Services and Marketing. There she established a keen eye for detail, negotiating skills, and creative thinking. Gaining skills in organisation, people management and leadership, in particular.
She joined Better Connect in 2020, when she was at a crossroads and realised that working in the voluntary and community sector would be more meaningful and rewarding than being driven by profit. Working for and with people who value people and who operate inclusively without discrimination is a reward every day.
Fun Fact
I’m a mean painter and decorator
Piece of Advice
Don’t stress over things you cannot control, it’s a waste of your precious energy
Favourite Place
The Pembrokeshire Coast – beautifully unspoilt
Emily Lain
Finance and Audit Coordinator
01423 795300elain@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Emily
Emily is one of the Finance and Audit Co-ordinators for Better Connect. She started this role in January 2022 after finishing her time on her Kickstart role . Her responsibilities now include checking financial claims, audit work, elements of book keeping, and maintaining partner relationships. For Emily, the best parts about the job are the welcoming environment created by everyone, and knowing that the work she’s doing is helping to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Get busy living or get busy dying”
— Stephen King
The Official Bit
Emily has a BA (Hons) in Equestrian Management and Development from Myerscough College. She previously worked at Subway and has experience working in the equine industry. Working in an organisation like Better Connect is a first for Emily and she has enjoyed the progression from Kickstart Assistant, to a fulltime member of the finance team.
Emily is excited to learn more about the workings of the voluntary sector and how she can be a part of it. She’s passionate about getting involved with promotional activities for Better Connects’ programmes, reading people’s experiences, and supporting the network of partners across the projects.
Fun Fact
I knew how to ride a horse before I knew how to ride a bike
Favourite Place
The lake/ponds local to where I live
Hannah Prole
Head of Impact
01423 795304 or ext 2010HProle@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Hannah
Hannah is our Head of Impact at Better Connect. Her role is to show the impact that Better Connect, our programmes and partnerships are making in many different ways such as through case studies, social media, our website, networking, events and presentations. Hannah is passionate about creating positive environments that people feel safe to be themselves in, especially at work.
Hannah loves meeting new people and hearing their stories, really getting to know why people are the way they are and why they do what they do.
Hannah loves being creative and getting into ‘flow’ with her work. She loves making things and being involved in the creative process. Hannah loves working for Better Connect because she gets to have variety in her role and appreciates the positive culture and focus on wellbeing.
“The truest, most beautiful life never promised to be an easy one. We need to let go of the lie that it’s all supposed to be easy.
”
— Glennon Doyle
The Official Bit
Hannah has a BA (Hons) in Theatre, specialising in working with and supporting Young People with learning difficulties and mental health issues to gain confidence and feel safe in positive spaces. She thrives in a creative environment and tries to bring those skills into everything she does at Better Connect.
Hannah began her career at 16, working in customer facing roles until the age of 23. She will always be grateful for the experience she gained in these roles and feel that they helped her to engage with partners and stakeholders. After finishing University, Hannah worked at York Theatre Royal as a Research and Evaluation Graduate Intern. Whilst at the Theatre, Hannah learnt about the voluntary sector and began volunteering with various community groups in York delivering theatre-style workshops to vulnerable people.
Hannah has worked at Better Connect since 2017, starting in the Programmes Team as an Assistant. Since then, she has worked across various funding streams and programmes, working her way up to becoming a Programme Manager in 2020. Now our Head of Impact, Hannah is inspired every day by the amazing work that partners do in their communities and loves that she can have a role that helps highlight the impact both Better Connect and our partners are making. She loves being part of an organisation that wants to make a positive difference in the world.
Hannah is also a Trustee for a charity based in Leeds called Purple Patch Arts. Purple Patch Arts exists to provide innovative, inclusive, creative learning opportunities that improve the lives of learning-disabled and autistic adults by expanding their understanding of, and engagement with, the world.
Fun Fact
Obsessed with TV Chef, Rick Stein (and cooking programmes/food in general!)
Things I love
Dogs! I have my own dog called Boba, who is named after the bounty hunter in Star Wars Boba Fett!
Jacky Wendon
Programme Finance and Data Manager
01423 795307 or ext 2015JWendon@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Jacky
Jacky is our Finance and Data Manager and is responsible for data collation, research, compliance, analysis and reporting for our projects as well as undertaking Internal Audits and supporting and coaching the Finance team.
Jacky really enjoys Analytical work and likes to think she has an eye for detail! She is a natural organiser and feels lucky to be part of a team where people are valued and listened to. Better Connect is a supportive and welcoming environment and everyone is so friendly.
The Official Bit
Jacky has a background in the Commercial and Financial industry and over the last 17 years she has worked in roles where she has done a mixture of Business Support, Audits, Finance, HR, Research, Data, Analysis and Systems support. Here at Better Connect, Jacky feels that she can use the skills she has gained throughout her career to thrive in her role at a company where she truly believed in their values.
Jacky started at Better Connect in November 2020 as a Finance and Audit Co-ordinator responsible for checking financial claims and undertaking Audit work. Since then, she progressed into becoming the Finance and Data Manager in 2022 where she feels she is able to utilise her Analytical, Organisational, Finance and Management skills further which she thoroughly enjoys.
Jacky really enjoys working alongside amazing people who support and encourage each other and being part of an organization who really care about each other and help make a difference in transforming people’s lives.
Fun Fact
I love older music, particularly 60s Music!
Piece of Advice
It’s nice to be nice, so treat people how you would like to be treated.
Favourite Place
Madeira – It’s so beautiful, dramatic and inspiring
Joe McKenzie
Relationship Manager
01423 795319 or ext 2012jmckenzie@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Joe
Joe plays a key role in nurturing and strengthening our partnerships across all programmes. As Relationship Manager, he supports our partner organisations, ensuring every relationship is built on trust, shared learning, and a commitment to making a real difference.
His focus is on creating and sustaining effective, high-impact partnerships—bringing people together to share best practice, build strong connections, and champion our collaborative approach.
Working with Christine, Sybille, and Lara, Joe supports partners to meet their goals and deliver high-quality, meaningful work.
What he finds most rewarding is seeing the incredible impact our partners have in their communities, and celebrating the stories that emerge from their work.
“The most important thing you can do in life is to seek truth and surrender to it”
— Gloria Gaynor
The Official Bit
Joe has a BA in Philosophy and is also mental health first aid trained.
Previously Joe worked in a Leeds school as a literacy tutor and then briefly at an insurance firm as an administrative assistant. He then joined Better Connect in 2017, as a programme coordinator: assisting partners and ensuring all their paperwork and claims were correct. He then became a manager, steering ATI towards success.
He also contributes to Better Connect’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as our EDI champion.
This work matters to Joe because it creates tangible positive results for so many people – from improved mental health to giving people employment opportunities. He loves that the programmes unlock people’s full potential.
Fun Fact
Is an amateur DJ
Favourite Place
Thailand
Peice of Advice
Be kind to others, and to yourself
Jonah Potter
Finance and Audit Coordinator
01423 795314 or ext 2013JPotter@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Jonah
Jonah is one of the Finance and Audit Coordinator at Better Connect. Internally, he assists staff in finance functions through auditing. Externally, he assists our partners across our partnership programmes. The best part of his job is constantly learning and being challenged as well as the amazing team he works within.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
”
— Mahatma Gandhi
The Official Bit
Jonah started his career in a multinational financial technology company and progressed to Better Connect in 2019. He originally started out as a Programmes Coordinator and has since moved into a more finance focused role.
Jonah believes that the third sector is a vital part of creating a kinder and more inclusive society.
Favourite Place
St Andrews Golf Course
Favourite Book
The Lord of the Rings
Julie Geraghty
Head of Programme Finance and Audit
01423 795317 or ext 2004JGeraghty@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Julie
Julie is Head of Programme Finance and audit, so is responsible for ensuring the programme operates compliantly within all the funding regulations. She particularly loves the nitty gritty detail and finding solutions to help smooth out any issues. The best thing about working here is the fabulous team of people and the genuine culture of nurture and support.
“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best
”
— Henry Van Dyke
The Official Bit
Julie has a BA (Hons) in Urban Geography and a Certificate in Management from Leeds University. She began her career piloting and running projects within the Chamber of Commerce and then later with the then Training and Enterprise Council. She took a career break whilst bringing up her children and worked part-time in a call centre for a well-known bank where she gained valuable experience of frontline customer service. Following redundancy, Julie set up her own business which she ran for several years until being drawn back into programme management, ultimately leading her to Better Connect in 2018.
Julie is a strong believer in the provision of opportunities for everyone and this runs through the core of Better Connect.
Piece of Advice
Be a mindful spender – Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves
Favourite Place
Nidd Gorge and the stunning wooded walks
Lara Stead
Programmes Coordinator
lstead@betterconnect.org.ukCommunity Grants Trailblazer Rise2Thrive Trailblazer STEPUP
About Lara
Hi, I’m Lara! I’m the Programmes Coordinator at Better Connect, working alongside Relationship Managers, Joe and Christine, to support partner relationships, programme administration and the ins and outs of partnership collaboration. I love being the friendly hub that connects all the dots: helping teams collaborate smoothly, keeping the flow of communication and programmes seamless, and making sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
My favourite part? Seeing everything come together and knowing our work is making a real difference.
“I think the problem is that we only have one idea of beauty, and everyone is trying to look like a Barbie doll”
— Tim Burton
The Official Bit
I hold a Certificate of Higher Education in Arts and Humanities from the Open University, where I delved into subjects like English literature, creative writing, and classical studies. This academic background has honed my critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.
My career journey spans roles in human resources, first-line tech support, retail, and customer service. These experiences have equipped me with a diverse skill set, including interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Looking ahead, I am eager to further my career within Better Connect. I am particularly interested in roles that allow me to leverage my background in human resources and customer service to contribute to the organisation’s mission. I am committed to continuous professional development and am enthusiastic about opportunities that will enable me to grow and make a meaningful impact.
Favourite Place
Italy, especially the lakes.
There's something magical about the landscapes and views, it’s a place where I can find peace. On a more local scene, I love attending rock concerts. The energy, the crowd, and the live music has always been one of my favourite places since first attending a Bon-Jovi concert with my dad at the age of three!
Favourite Book/Film
Anything by Tim Burton - His unique blend of gothic and whimsical storytelling has always captivated me since I was little. From Edward Scissorhands to Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas, his films offer a perfect mix of heart and imagination.
Laura Sandiford
Impact Manager
01423 795303 or ext 2016lsandiford@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Laura
A keen storyteller & collaborator, Laura works as the Impact Manager together with our Head of Impact, Hannah, where she measures and highlights the impact of Better Connect across the business, programmes and partnerships.
She does so by working with a range of partners, participants and externals to gather information and stories, which she then translates into a range of engaging content across Better Connect’s channels. Ensuring the ‘Better Connect’ story is woven throughout all communications is a large part of Laura’s role, as is demonstrating the ripple effect across our programmes, partnerships, and sector-advocacy.
Laura’s favourite part of the role is connecting with the faces behind the case studies and giving voice to their experiences.
“I can resist everything except temptation”
— Oscar Wilde
The Official Bit
Laura formerly spent 2 years working as a Participant Experience Coordinator on one of Better Connects’ ESF & Lottery funded projects, Action Towards Inclusion. She is a huge advocate for sustainable social change, and believes this begins with supporting and empowering individuals, and championing social inclusion.
Within this role, she managed the collaboration between partners, keyworkers, and participants on an administrative and ESF/National Lottery compliant scale. She also tracked the ‘Participant Journey’ from start to finish, following participant engagement across the programme.
Laura has a first-class BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield.
Favourite Place
Sheffield / Mwnt (Wales)
Fun Fact
Was in an amateur production at Harrogate Theatre
Natasha Babar-Evans
Chief Executive Officer
07725447623nbabarevans@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Natasha
Natasha is the Chief Executive Officer at Better Connect. Natasha is proud to be leading this amazing team at Better Connect who are helping to make Yorkshire a place where every person can thrive in life and work. Better Connect has a great track record of delivery, partnership working and an incredibly committed team which are helping to transform lives. Natasha joined in May 2022 and instantly connected with the team and our vision. Natasha is focused on empowering the team and our partners to do more and be more. She absolutely loves being part of a team who are so full of purpose, thrive on autonomy and are experts in what we do. But it’s not just about the impact we are making and achieving our goals for Natasha, it’s about how we do it and having loads of fun along the way.
““Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible””
— Dalai Lama
The Official Bit
Natasha has always enjoyed working in roles which are focused on enabling people and businesses to thrive in the North.
Before joining Better Connect as CEO, Natasha worked at Relate Bradford & Leeds helping people to develop and sustain healthy relationships and improve their mental health and wellbeing. She has been an entrepreneur and COO of Wizu Workspace a flexible workspace provider supporting the growth of businesses in Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.
Natasha completed an MBA at Leeds University in 2016, where she is now a leader in residence. She then went on to be Regional Entrepreneur Director for NatWest supporting and helping to coach hundreds of entrepreneurs in accelerators across the North to start, scale and succeed. Natasha has both a banking and legal background. She worked as a banking lawyer at Walker Morris following which she joined Regional Lloyds Bank team as the Regional Sales Director and Client Services Director.
Natasha was appointed as a board member and trustee in 2021 for Trust Leeds, she has been on LEP investment steering groups, she has recently been appointed as an independent panel member at AFC(H) and is completing a NED insights programme shadowing NHS boards.
Fun Fact
I love grass roots football! I play for Leeds City Lasses and help coach under 8 and 9 girls football. (I love playing sports…I might be just a little bit competitive!)
Piece of advice
Outside of your comfort zone is where the magic happens
Sybille Sullivan
Programmes Coordinator
01423 795315ssullivan@betterconnect.org.uk
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About Sybille
Sybille is our Programmes Coordinator across our programmes, and works alongside Relationship Managers, Joe and Christine, to support partner relationships, programme administration and the ins and outs of partnership collaboration.
She was formerly one of the Finance and Audit Co-ordinators, and has been with us since March 2022.
“Not all of us can do great things. But all of us can do small things with great love ”
— Mother Teresa
The Official Bit
I was born in Heidelberg in Germany where I lived until the age of 25 before moving to Yorkshire with my family. I studied psychology, anatomy and physiology and initially worked with people of all ages with hearing loss and hearing difficulty.
Having worked in healthcare, private sector and the NHS for several years in various roles, I feel very privileged to learn about the voluntary sector and the lifechanging difference this makes for so many individuals and even more privileged to be a part of a warm, dedicated and enthusiastic team.
Fun fact
I love anything creative and am always making something
Piece of advice
Act as if what you do makes a difference, it does - William James
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