Penny is an EMCC Accredited Coach at Practitioner level who combines operational and strategic leadership with organisational development experience and a life-long commitment to social and environmental justice. Until February 2018 Penny was Deputy Chief Executive at Oxfam GB where she led organisational change and was Oxfam GB’s Programmes Director from 2006 - strategic and operational lead of Oxfam’s programmes and humanitarian responses in over 60 countries. She has worked to influence businesses such as IKEA, UN and governments as well as in charity networks on issues such as equitable supply chains, humanitarian relief and women’s rights as an adviser, an activist and in executive and governance roles. Penny has lived and worked in Sudan, Zimbabwe and Ghana and previously worked for VSO. 

An independent executive coach-mentor (EMCC Diploma, EIA) and applied researcher since 2018, Penny supports leaders wanting to 'be the change they seek'. Leaders who are seeking to bring about transformational change within their organisations and in themselves. She offers bespoke one to one coach-mentoring and team coaching. Her clients include leaders of large and small charities and social enterprises, co-leaders, Chairs and women leaders across purpose-led organisations focussed on climate justice, equitable supply chains and international development. To remind herself of the challenges of leading an organisation - Penny led Makespace Oxford 2021-22 as its  Strategic Director to develop as a local thriving sociocratic organisation. 

Penny combines her coaching practice with being Chair of Refugee Action and contributing to wider research on organisational change in the purpose led sector. Penny has published research on the future of INGOs in our more polarised world. She has co-led action research on why there are are so few women CEOs and Chairs in the international development sector and is currently contributing to increasing our understanding of how to shift power within organisations as a Director of power and integrity. She is an active contributor to better governance debates and training through Association of Chairs