London, 6 July 2026 – The Violence Intervention Project (VIP), a London-based charity delivering trauma-informed intervention and prevention work with young people affected by violence and exploitation, is delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Thornton as Fundraising Trustee and Nikki Holmes as Safeguarding Trustee. Both appointments follow a board vote and directly address priority areas identified through a recent trustee skills audit.
Nikki Holmes is the CEO of Safer Together, founder of the award-winning ‘Time to Talk’ programme, an Independent Reviewer (DHRs, CSPRs, SARs), and an Associate Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Worcester. A former West Midlands Police officer and CQC Children's Services Inspector, Nikki brings deep expertise in safeguarding, contextual violence, and community-based prevention.
Nikki said: “It is a real privilege to serve as Safeguarding Trustee. I am drawn to the strong alignment between our organisations: we share a belief that violence is not inevitable and that early intervention can change futures. I look forward to supporting the VIP as it continues to grow, innovate, and extend its impact.”
Emma Thornton is Head of Social Value at Capita and a recognised leader at the intersection of ESG, social impact, and responsible business. A co-chair of the Business Services Association's Social Value Group, Emma brings extensive experience in social value strategy, governance, cross-sector partnerships, and sustainable funding. Her expertise will help strengthen VIP’s fundraising capability and support the charity’s long-term sustainability.
Emma said: “I’m honoured to be joining the VIP as Fundraising Trustee. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the power of collaboration between business, charities, and communities to tackle complex social challenges. I look forward to helping strengthen the charity’s partnerships so that even more young people can benefit from its life-changing work.”
Charlie Rigby, CEO and Founder of the VIP, said: "Emma and Nikki don't just bring impressive CVs; they bring a lived commitment to this work. That alignment with our values and mission is what matters most. I'm genuinely excited about what we'll build together."
Alessandro Ferrari, Chair of the VIP, said: "These appointments arrive at exactly the right moment. Between them, Emma and Nikki bring an extraordinary breadth of experience, from frontline safeguarding to national social value policy. The VIP is significantly stronger for having them."
For more information, visit vip.org.uk. For media enquiries, contact: Alessandro Ferrari Chair, alessandro@vip.org.uk
About The Violence Intervention Project
The Violence Intervention Project (VIP) is a London-based charity delivering trauma-informed, shame-informed intervention and prevention work with young people affected by violence and exploitation. Founded by Charlie Rigby, the VIP operates across multiple London boroughs — including Hounslow, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Brent, and Harrow — working directly with young people, schools, and institutions to address the root causes of violence. The VIP also delivers The Shame Initiative (TSI), a training programme equipping professionals and organisations with shame-informed practice.