Jane Coleman Steps Up as Chief Operating Officer at the Russell Martin Foundation

The Russell Martin Foundation (RMF) has announced Jane Coleman as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role that marks a new chapter for both Jane and the charity.

Jane Coleman Steps Up as Chief Operating Officer at the Russell Martin Foundation

The Russell Martin Foundation (RMF) has announced Jane Coleman as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role that marks a new chapter for both Jane and the charity.

Jane’s journey with RMF started years ago in a very different way. Having just returned from travelling in China, she was approached to work on the Foundation’s brand-new Extra Time Project in Brighton. At first, it was only a short-term contract. But once she saw the difference the project was making for young people, she was hooked.

“I soon fell in love with the programme and the impact we were having,” Jane says. “It made me want to grow with the organisation and help it reach even more people.”

Before joining RMF, Jane had already built up a wealth of experience in children’s services. She had worked as a consultant for children’s residential homes, sat on fostering panels, and even commissioned services for local authorities. Later, she worked with Charlton Athletic’s Community Scheme, gaining further insight into how football and community work can go hand in hand.

This blend of experience gave her the perfect platform to take on bigger responsibilities at RMF.

As COO, Jane will now be in charge of the day-to-day running of the Foundation. This means CEO Alan Sanders can focus on building external partnerships and attracting new sponsors, while Jane ensures everything inside the organisation is running smoothly.

Her first priorities include setting out a three-year strategy for the charity, creating business plans for each department, and driving forward the “OneRMF” campaign , a push to unite all areas of the organisation under a shared vision.

“I want us to continue proving our value and making sure people across Sussex see the real difference RMF makes,” Jane explains.

RMF is already well known for its mix of education, health, football and inclusion projects, but Jane is keen to help them go even further.

• Health: The team is working with expert Deb Browne to expand health initiatives across Sussex.

• Education: Programmes like the Empowerment Programme for Girls and the Boys Pathway Programme are helping young people grow in confidence, resilience and communication.

• Safety and Inclusion: RMF is committed to supporting the government’s Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, using education and opportunity to create lasting change.

• Football: The Foundation’s football department continues to bring children together, offering courses and opportunities, especially in deprived areas where sport can have the biggest impact.

Russell Martin, RMF’s Founder, couldn’t be happier about Jane stepping into the role.

“Jane has been an integral part of RMF’s journey and growth. Her dedication, drive, and compassion for the communities we serve make her the perfect choice as our COO. I know she will play a vital role in ensuring RMF continues to grow and deepen its impact across Sussex.”

Jane knows there are challenges ahead, particularly in today’s tough financial climate, but she sees plenty of opportunities too.

“We’ve built real trust with families, children and local agencies,” she says. “Now it’s about building longer-term partnerships so we can keep growing and keep making a difference. I think the business community in Sussex has a huge role to play here. Sponsorships, collaborations, even sharing skills, all of this helps us to keep delivering life-changing programmes.”

www.russellmartinfoundation.co.uk