Our People
Ram Niraula is our Nepalese Programme Manager who lives in Sunsari and is responsible for managing the Co-operative. Ram Niraula heads up a small Nepalese programme team.
The UK side of Development Nepal comprises unpaid trustees and volunteers who are responsible for fundraising, providing strategic direction and advice to the local Nepalese team, and oversight, including use of charitable assets.
Development Nepal and the Trustees are fortunate to be supported by volunteers and advisers, drawn from a wide range of professions and skillsets. Development Nepal is thankful for the contribution of all these individuals who add significant expertise, creativity enabling the charity to achieve greater impact.
Development Nepal’s UB Co-operative team in Nepal. From L to R: Ram, Bhishma, Yogita, Umesh, Kalpana, Gita
Our UK Trustees
Development Nepal may be a small charity, but it is backed by trustees with substantial professional experience across international development, finance, law, education, governance, operations and communications. All give their time and expertise voluntarily, working closely with Ram and the team in Nepal and providing strategic direction, financial oversight and practical support.
Christopher Kelly, Chair
Chris is Chief Operating Officer of international development organisation Practical Action. He was previously Chief Executive of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust and, before that, a Director with KPMG East Africa, where his work included helping governments and development organisations make more effective use of international aid.
A chartered accountant, Chris leads Development Nepal's work on governance, finance and strategy and maintains close engagement with the team in Nepal.
Brian Wong, Secretary
Brian is a Partner at leading UK law firm Burges Salmon and has more than 20 years' experience as a solicitor. He specialises in complex disputes, public and regulatory law, investigations and technology, advising major organisations across both the public and private sectors.
As Development Nepal's Secretary, Brian has a broad remit with particular responsibility for governance, compliance and reporting.
Roland Hancock, Trustee
Roland is a Partner at PwC Middle East, where he is Education and Skills Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer. He works with governments, education organisations and the private sector on large-scale transformation, improving educational outcomes and developing sustainable models for long-term change.
At Development Nepal, Roland brings particular expertise in fundraising, strategy and effective delivery models.
Catherine Varley, Trustee-designate (appointment pending)
Catherine is a business consultant and qualified solicitor with senior leadership experience across professional services, property and executive search. Her career has included commercial litigation, board-level operational roles and responsibility for business strategy, communications and organisational development.
At Development Nepal, she brings experience in operations, governance and communications, helping the charity strengthen how it presents its work, builds partnerships and plans for the future.
Additional Expertise
The trustees are supported by a number of specialist advisers who also give their expertise voluntarily. This includes support for financial management, audit and financial reporting in both the UK and Nepal, adding further independent scrutiny to the charity's governance and its oversight of the Co-operative.