Meet Our New Director, Ellie Suggate-Francis

We are pleased to share that Ellie Suggate‑Francis joins 1st Place as our new Director from the 16th of March. Ellie brings extensive experience in early years and family services, both locally and nationally, and we are delighted to welcome her to the organisation.

She spoke to us about her journey so far and what led her to apply for the role at 1st Place.

A career dedicated to children and families

Ellie’s career in the children and families sector began over twenty years ago, working with a range of children’s charities and local authorities. She started out as a Portage worker in a deprived Sure Start area in Southwark, an experience that continues to shape her values and approach. From the very beginning, Ellie has been driven by a commitment to improving the lives of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children in our society.

Much of her career was spent within Children’s Centres, including five years as Strategic Partnership Manager for Lambeth Children’s Centres. She then moved to the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), where she is currently Assistant Director of the Early Childhood Unit, leading a team of highly experienced Early Years professionals and overseeing influential national contracts that support improvement across the sector.

Returning to local community work

Ellie shared that she is greatly looking forward to returning to inner London to work for a charity rooted in the local community.

“I’m excited to join an organisation that provides vital, localised support services for the Early Years.”

We are delighted to welcome Ellie to 1st Place and look forward to the leadership, passion and experience she will bring to our work with children and families across Southwark.