CEO
Ken Cowen devised the School of Hard Knocks concept in 2007, and has been CEO of the charity since is creation in 2012. His background is predominantly in the development of bespoke training solutions across a range of settings. He has worked in the private, public and charitable sectors and has a rich background in public speaking and communications.
Director of Programmes, England
Nathan Persaud is a trained sport psychology consultant with a background in sport for social change. Having also worked within education, he brings a unique knowledge of effective employability delivery and how to have maximum positive impact on a person’s behaviour.
Director of Programmes, Scotland
Rosa has worked in training, facilitation, fundraising and events management for a number of charities in Scotland. She joined SOHK as Programmes Manager in March 2017 and is responsible for executing the charity's strategy north of the border. She’s a terrible rugby player but loves cycling and tennis.
Director of Programmes, Wales
After a 10-year career in social housing, Catryn started work at SOHK in August 2016. Catryn recently retired from playing rugby for Pontyclun and Cardiff Blues, her focus is now on growing SOHK's presence and sustaining the work through partnerships and funding opportunities.
Hailing from Fife in Scotland, with a lifelong love of sport, Gavin served 15 years in the Royal Air Force but made a career change to become a coach to follow his passion for rugby.
As Scotland schools facilitator Gavin oversees the Schools Programme and enjoys each new day with SOHK.
After A-Levels, and not being engaged with School, Michael went to college part-time while being a lifeguard and rugby coach. After hard work and dedication, Micheal achieved his degree in Sports Education and decided to teach in Mathematics, art, drama, and P.E. in school. However, with a key interest in sport, he decided to follow his passion to become a SOHK Coach.
Meet Tom, unemployed for 18 months, he experienced great shame with being unemployed having worked since he was 18.
He explains how SOHK's combination of sport and tailored classes reengaged his search for meaningful employment.
Having only moved to London, Laerke found the search for jobs difficult and to interact socially.
After participating in a SOHK boxing course Laerke is now a faculty co-coordinator at the Royal College of Physicians.