Sarah is Chief Executive of Impact Multi Academy Trust, a group of seven primary and secondary schools, all in the London Borough of Bromley. She joined there from being a Director at the Department for Education, where she spent twelve years as a civil servant, with the last seven of those being in the senior civil service. Prior to this, she worked in local government and in the voluntary sector. Sarah lives in Bromley and spends her Saturday mornings volunteering at a local foodbank.

National Volunteers Week: In Conversation with Sarah Lewis

As part of National Volunteers Week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Lewis about what inspires her to give her time in service of others. From her role as a college governor to her wider volunteering in the local community, Sarah shared thoughtful reflections on the impact of volunteering, the value of different perspectives, and the personal growth that comes from giving back.

• What first inspired you to become a college governor and what has that experience meant to you personally?

  I had been thinking about becoming a governor for quite a while because, in my day job as a chief executive of a multi-academy trust, I’ve seen first-hand the difference governors can make. For me, it’s about asking the right questions, really understanding the local community, and bringing fresh skills and perspectives to an organisation. London South East Colleges particularly appealed to me because so many students from our schools go on to study there, so I could really see the value and opportunities the college creates for young people.

• What do you enjoy most about supporting the colleg and its students through your role?

  One of the things I enjoy most is working alongside other governors, all of whom bring different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. I really value that mix of perspectives, and I think student governors in particular bring something incredibly important because their voices add real depth and insight to discussions. I’ve also found that the role has given something back to me professionally too, often sparking ideas and approaches that I can take into my own work.

• Volunteering clearly plays an important part in your life. What is it about volunteering that matters so much to you?

  Volunteering has always been important to me because I grew up in a family where giving time to others was just part of life. Once my children were older, I started volunteering at my local food bank in Bromley, where I still volunteer today as a Saturday team leader. It means a lot to me to be able to do something practical, meet people from all walks of life, and support the local community in a really tangible way. More recently, I’ve also taken on a role with an Independent Monitoring Board for a prison in South East London, which has been both eye-opening and hugely worthwhile.

• What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting involved and giving back?

  I’d simply say: give it a go. I think most people who try volunteering find it both rewarding and enjoyable. It’s probably wise not to overcommit at first, but in my experience, volunteering gives you so much in return from personal growth to a much stronger connection with your community. You do give a lot, but you gain a huge amount back as well.

A huge thank you to Sarah for sharing her experiences so openly and generously. Her reflections are a powerful reminder of the many ways volunteering can enrich our communities, broaden our perspectives, and make a lasting difference. During National Volunteers Week, we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and commitment of volunteers like Sarah, whose contributions help strengthen opportunities for others every day.