Sally-Anne studied Anthropology and Social Psychology at Cambridge University and then chose a career in the charity sector. This initially included 8 years running her own fundraising consultancy and 10 years working on the frontline in health and heritage charities including the Royal Armouries Museum, Sue Ryder Care, Riding for the Disabled and local hospitals and hospices.

From 2004 to 2018 she was the Chief Executive of the Leeds Community Foundation which she helped grow to be amongst the top 5 of the 40+ Community Foundations in the UK. Here she developed an in-depth knowledge of how to deliver really impactful community investment by providing philanthropy advice to individuals, families and companies and over-seeing an extremely effective and efficient grant-making service.

In 2017 Sally-Anne was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University for her contribution to civic and community life and in July 2018 she was awarded a Post-Graduate Certificate in Philanthropy Studies, the first person to graduate from this course in the UK.  

Talking about the inspiration behind setting up her consultancy, Sally-Anne says: “I am genuinely passionate about people, about making connections that result in positive change and about helping people understand and improve the impact they can have on society. I bring humour and a wealth of experience to provide tailor-made support that delivers results for you or your business."