“As a young person herself, in 1999 Nikki was instrumental in establishing the organisation, working as she did with young people, civil servants and MPs to initiate the whole project. It is to her immense credit that her passion led her to adopt a number of development roles since then – everything from Trustee to London Co-ordinator, her final post.Nikki’s talents are many. Of overriding impact is the passion and commitment she brings to any role or task in which she believes. Through sheer force of personality, she is able to carry all before her, inspiring others through her own leadership and clear vision.This commitment also exhibits itself in setting very high standards, and the ability to buildpartnerships around key issues and deliverables. These are allied to excellent financial and project management skills that ensure she adheres to her own exacting standards and never fails to meet deadlines and fulfil expectations.Nikki’s work leading the London region of UKYP has been nothing short of revelatory. She has successfully balanced a number of competing priorities, managed a wide variety of stakeholder relationships brilliantly, successfully applied for and received substantial project funding and supported young people to design and deliver innovative projects, especially in the field of youth crime and policing.Of even greater worth is the fact that Nikki does all this without ever compromising the principles of true youth participation – all decisions are deferred to the young people with whom she works, who also receive the information and support they need in a timely and appropriate manner.Her innate ability to learn new skills swiftly was never more apparent than when she took the lead on an anti-knife and gun crime project where young people interviewed young offenders and victims about their experiences. As digital video skills were essential to the project, Nikki made sure she picked up all the skills necessary in a very short space of time, which is typical of her attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure the young people with whom she works are fully supported.Indeed, her experience, knowledge and skills developed for and on behalf of UKYP has made her a much sought after consultant within the London youth participation network. This in turn has allowed her to have great impact in many local authorities, establishing robust systems and networks and educating young and old alike in key principles.Taking all this into account, Nikki leaves a huge hole in our organisation as she moves onto new exciting challenges. She will be dearly missed and goes with our immense thanks and very best wishes, safe in the knowledge that she has left an impressive and long-lasting legacy for many thousands of young people thanks to her dedication, application and never-say-die attitude.If you have any posts available in any relevant field of work, I strongly urge you to employ Nikki. She will never let you down.”

“Nikki was one of the best managers I have had the opportunity to work with. Nikki was very approachable and welcomed me to share any questions or concerns I had in my role. Nikki was always making sure I was OK not only in professional way but personally too. Nikki was a credit to the charity and the young people we supported, always trying to make change for the better!”