Celebrating our Charity's Women: Fran Darlington-Pollock

This week we're spotlighting the amazing women at Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity

Fran joined Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity in November 2022 after a career as an academic. Fran’s work focused on understanding inequalities in health alongside wider inequalities in social and economic outcomes. Immediately prior to joining GMMC, Fran worked in the development sector as a research advisor for Save the Children UK. She also chairs The Equality Trust.

We asked her to reflect on her time with the charity so far. Here's what she had to say:

What’s been the most interesting thing you’ve encountered working for GMMC so far?

This is a tricky one as so many things about this role are introducing me to a new interesting area of thinking, a new interesting branch of work, or simply introducing me to new and interesting people. However, just recently I was at the celebration afternoon for a piece of work between the Greater Manchester Homelessness Action Network (in which we fund a post for the network manager), the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the GMJokers. I thought I knew a fair bit about co-production but the work they have done using legislative theatre to create policy change and action is incredible. This is definitely amongst the most interesting things I’ve encountered working for GMMC so far!

What’s been the most unexpected thing you’ve encountered working for GMMC so far?

I think you’d be hard pressed to convince anyone that within the first month of their new role they’d be supporting a team delivering something as unexpected as a mayoral DJ Battle live at The Warehouse Project! I am now ready to expect the unexpected with GMMC.

You’ve both worked as an academic, chaired a charity and worked in an INGO. How do you manage the transition between the varied sectors, and do they ever complement each other?

I’ve been fortunate that so many of the things I have taught and researched about (and still think and write on) revolve around the issues and challenges that impact on society. In some way, the transitions have felt quite smooth because of that, and all of my experiences and interests as an academic still impact on the work I do now. I love being able to bring some of my academic background to new roles, whether that’s through use of research, engaging with academics, or supporting new research. That said, there is so much to learn in any new job, particularly when it feels like a very different direction! I’m learning to be very conscious about where my gaps are, accepting that it’s ok to ask if you’re not sure about something, and making sure I build in time for reflection and learning on new areas of development.

Keep an eye out for more content this week as we celebrate International Women's Day!

Though Fran's not been with us for long, we're so grateful for how quickly she got stuck in and how she's effecting positive change for the charity in such a short space of time. The future looks bright!

Donate today and know that your money will help tackle homelessness across our city-region for a fairer and more sustainable future.