VCFSE Partnerships and Development Team
Natasha builds strong, meaningful partnerships that connect ideas, people and resources to drive positive change. She leads the VCFSE Partnerships and Development Team, working with people and organisations to strengthen and develop the sector by managing a range of networks, providing development support services for organisations and promoting learning and development through initiatives such as the Frontline Worker Wellbeing
With a background in research focused on issues of social exclusion, Natasha has dedicated her career to working alongside people and communities to ensure their voices are heard. She’s committed to using participatory approaches that empower individuals and support real action.
Get in touch if you’ve got an idea or just fancy a chat about making things happen, she’s always up for a conversation!
Katie is a late-diagnosed Autistic person, receiving her diagnosis in 2022 at the age of 27. Her experiences as an Autistic and ADHD woman, alongside being physically disabled, have shaped her commitment to improving awareness of Autism and access to appropriate services in marginalised communities—whether in relation to gender identity and expression, sexuality, race, ethnicity, or other disabilities.
As Chair of SAPN, Katie’s role involves connecting organisations with opportunities to collaborate with each other and with statutory services, linking them to funding streams, ensuring their voices are represented in strategic spaces, and empowering them to provide effective support within their communities. She also hosts the monthly network meetings, creating a space for organisations to connect, share their work, and access feedback and support.
Shakila Sharif is the Workforce Development Lead at VAS, with over 25 years’ experience across teaching, training, youth and community work, policy, membership support, and project management.
She is committed to supporting people and communities to build their own capacity, and has consistently championed anti-racist practice and diversity throughout her career. Her experience spans the public and voluntary sectors at national, regional, and local levels.
After a career break for parenting, she returned to work through volunteering, which led to her current role at VAS. She continues to invest in her own development through training and leadership programmes.
At VAS, she focuses on sharing good practice, enabling peer support and access to resources, and encouraging ongoing learning and wellbeing across the voluntary and community sector.
Lulu joined VAS in 2023 to manage two projects supporting frontline worker wellbeing—one focused on providing access to Mental Health First Aid training, and the other on enabling organisations to implement Reflective Support for their staff. In addition to responding to an immediate need within the sector, both projects have a strong learning focus, helping to demonstrate the value of this support for the health of the sector. While work to sustain these initiatives continues at VAS, Lulu’s role has since shifted to focus on gathering knowledge and insight into the impact of this support.
With a background as a data analyst, visualiser, and designer—work Lulu continues alongside their role at VAS—and later as a social researcher, Lulu’s skills centre on working with data and information, and communicating insights clearly and effectively. Lulu enjoys using these skills with people and communities, aiming to positively influence lives, which is what makes working at VAS especially meaningful.
Outside of VAS, Lulu can often be found out in the Peak District, playing board games with family, or cooking and enjoying something delicious.
As VCS Support Officer, Liz works with local groups to help them access the support and information they need to develop and remain resilient.
She has worked for VAS since 2009, drawn by its values of cooperation, support, diversity, and creativity—principles that reflect the ethos of the third sector.
James started his career in management straight out of university, spending several years as a management consultant before discovering a passion for learning and development. Since then, he has built up a wealth of experience across the pharma, healthcare, and biotech sectors in England and Ireland, supporting improvements in employee performance.
He’s proud to be back home in Sheffield, contributing locally. James is guided by principle-centred behaviour and a strong belief in people-focused approaches to problem-solving that lead to lasting change. His current focus is on supporting community-led initiatives and driving culturally aware wellbeing projects within the VCFSE sector.
Outside of work, James is often involved in community activities connected to his gym—whether that’s exploring the countryside or going wild swimming (because why not!).