Ken Cowen Ken Cowen devised the School of Hard Knocks concept in 2007, and has been CEO of the charity in the UK since is creation in 2012. His background is predominantly in the creation and development of bespoke training solutions across a wide range of settings. He has worked in the private, public and charitable sectors and has a rich background in public speaking and communications.

Ben Carswell BSc, BSEcon, MA (Hons) Ben is A Yorkshire born Kiwi who moved to NZ to work with TSCF in 2008. He is passionate about sport and its ability to have a positive impact on people lives.

Simon Soulsby Simon is Head of Vision at NZME. A Brit turned Kiwi he has 19 years of advertising, digital media and people management under his belt. He brings a wealth of organizational experience to the SOHK table. Simon has worked closely with the charity in the UK to develop the program for NZ. An ex-military trainer, Simon is an experienced supervisor and teacher who is able to explain information clearly, recognize strengths in individuals, and inspire them to work toward an overall goal.

Hugo Fitzsimmons BCom BA Hailing from North Canterbury, Hugo is a professional company Director holding a number of Directorships across the farming, property and media industries. Hugo first came across the SOHK course in the UK, where he recognised the potential and the benefits that the programme could bring to youth in a similar predicament in his homeland. He is also Executive Producer of the School of Hard Knocks Television Series.

Nigel Pollock Nigel spent 18 years of his life working at University & Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) in the UK. And in 2005 Nigel and the family relocated from Edinburgh to Wellington where Nigel took up the role of TSCF National Director. Nigel has considerable expertise in Vision Funding and Communications, Strategic Planning, Leadership and Governance. In 1998 he was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship. Nigel travels extensively around the Pacific Rim and beyond, and has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and is the author of 'Unconditional"? and the best-selling 'Relationships Revolution'. Nigel is Executive Director of the Pacific Partnership Trust, a Director of the Vine Trust and Mission Scotland, a Trustee of El Rancho and a Council Member of Scripture Union. He also coaches hockey at the Hutt Club and Wellington Rep. Teams.

Sir John Kirwan Head Coach

This is the main SOHK management team – we have other integral staff running our courses, based in our office and making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

TRUSTEES

Can you help?

We use sport to tackle the issues surrounding unemployment, crime and health. We work with individuals to help them take reponsibility and take positive steps forward in their lives.

Can you help us make a difference in the lives of more people around the NZ?