Streatham & Clapham alumna works with The Prince of Wales on his charitable vision

An interview with Amanda L. Sherrington (SCHS 1968), about her work with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales:

  • Tell us about your current role and what the job entails

I am the Founding President and CEO of Prince’s Charities Canada (PCC). PCC works with the office of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to expand his charitable vision and initiatives here in Canada. The work is focused on The Prince’s own key interests: education and young people, responsible business, the built environment, and global sustainability.

A key element of my work is connecting His Royal Highness’s UK-based charities with Canadian organisations that share a common vision. I also keep The Prince informed about key Canadian issues that relate directly to his charitable work. The purpose of such activity is to provide HRH with opportunities to deepen and broaden his long-standing connection to Canada and Canadians and to engage with Canadians around shared values and concerns.

Whereas our office is in Toronto, our work is National and I have had the opportunity to travel to every Province and (almost) every Territory in Canada since PCC was founded in 2011. I work closely with The Prince’s office at Clarence House and travel back to the UK regularly for meetings, some of which are with The Prince of Wales himself.

  • Briefly describe some of the key roles you’ve held in the past and how they have helped you in securing your current role

Prior to being invited to join PCC, I was CEO of another charity, the Canadian Centre for Diversity (CCD). During my nearly 10 years with the organisation, I was responsible for revitalising a 60 year old outmoded institution that had minimal staff, financial resources or activity and turning it into Canada’s leading provider of youth programs that educated about the dangerous consequences of prejudice and discrimination and taught the value of a diverse and inclusive society. When I left in 2010, CCD was working with thousands of youth in locations across the country and had revenues approaching $3 million annually. 

Early in my career, I founded an independent conference planning company, which grew to one of the largest and most highly regarded in Canada with 18 full time staff and an impressive client base of national and international associations, private and public sector organisations.

  • What does it mean to you to be a Streatham & Clapham alumna?

I was privileged to belong to a community of schools that had a long history of providing quality education, encouragement and a strong identity to girls and young women. I enjoyed my time at school and left with a sense of achievement and confidence, much of it gained through playing team sports.

  • What piece of advice would you give to someone contemplating a career in the charity sector?

It is important to pick a cause that you believe in. Know your own strengths and weaknesses and learn to blend creativity with efficiency – charities are often operated with a small staff and so being able to manage projects effectively and with minimal resources can be critical to success. Learn how to recognise your strengths and weaknesses, and build the right team around you so that you can delegate effectively. Leave ego at the door!