New leadership for a new chapter.
Following the recent announcement of Ian Boyd’s departure as CEO, the Trustees of Self Help UK are pleased to share an important update on our leadership transition.
After a thorough recruitment process, we are delighted to announce the appointment of two exceptional individuals who will jointly lead the organisation as part-time Managing Directors on a fixed-term basis.
Introducing Our New Managing Directors
- Samantha Barklam is a Non-Executive and Director with extensive experience in leading large-scale organisational transformations. She has successfully managed complex stakeholder dynamics and driven sustainable change across government, FTSE 100 companies, and SMEs. Her strategic insight and systems-thinking approach will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and grow.
- Sarah Collis is a transformational charity leader, strategic management consultant, and empowering leadership coach. We are delighted that Sarah has re-joined Self Help UK, having previously led the charity as our Chief Executive Officer from 2008 to 2021. With a strong background in the voluntary sector, Sarah brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing charities today. Her passion for people-centred leadership and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission and values.
Together, Samantha and Sarah bring a powerful combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a shared commitment to empowering individuals and communities through peer support. The Trustees are confident that this new leadership model will provide both stability and fresh energy as we move into our next chapter.
Self Help UK remains deeply committed to our mission. With strong foundations in place and a dynamic leadership team at the helm, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We will continue to keep our community informed and engaged as we navigate this transition together.
Thank you for your continued support.


