MBE - CEO
Sunnyside Rural Trust
Sunnyside Rural Trust was founded in 1990 as a small horticultural project
supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities. It has since grown into
a thriving charity and social enterprise, providing training and work experience
opportunities for more than 170 vulnerable people in the local community.
The organisation supports people with learning disabilities to develop practical skills
through a range of rural and retail activities, including beekeeping, poultry care, plant
and food production, landscaping and garden maintenance. A strong focus is placed
on the full “plot to plate” cycle – from sowing seeds and nurturing plants to producing
goods sold through farm shops and local markets – with an emphasis on
environmentally responsible practices.
Training and work experience take place across Dacorum, including Hemel
Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Northchurch, in a variety of peaceful rural settings
such as ancient woodland, allotments, orchards, greenhouses, cafés and farm
shops.
Keely Siddiqui-Charlick MBE – CEO
Keely Siddiqui-Charlick MBE has worked with young people and adults with learning
disabilities throughout her career. Before joining Sunnyside, she held senior
development and operational roles for large London-based charities; since then she
has been instrumental in transforming Sunnyside from a small day service into a
thriving and innovative social enterprise. Keely was recently awarded an MBE, for
services to social care, in the New Year’s Honours List 2025. She also undertakes
work for the School of Social Entrepreneurs (SSE – www.the-sse.org) and uses
Sunnyside as an example to inspire other charities to move into trading and create
employment opportunities for vulnerable young people and adults.
Keely has a particular passion for helping people reach their potential. Key aspects
to her leadership are being person centred, putting a robust business framework
around charity values, localism, financial and environmental sustainability and a love
of nature and animals. She feels very lucky to work for Sunnyside and to see it
develop.
