Janet Hayes
About Janet Hayes
Janet Hayes is a Project Manager at Sightsavers, where she has worked since 2021, and serves as Chief Executive Officer at ACACIA UK since 2018. With extensive experience in financial and private sector policy, she has held various roles in organizations such as Oxford Policy Management and VSO, and is dedicated to improving education and financial access for low-income households in Africa.
Work at Sightsavers
Janet Hayes has been serving as a Project Manager at Sightsavers since 2021. In this role, she focuses on initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities. Her work involves managing projects that align with the organization's mission to promote inclusion and access to essential services.
Current Role at ACACIA UK
Since 2018, Janet Hayes has held the position of Chief Executive Officer at ACACIA UK. The organization is dedicated to supporting children and young people with disabilities in Kenya through various partnerships. Under her leadership, ACACIA UK works to enhance the quality of life for these individuals by advocating for their rights and providing necessary resources.
Experience with Rafiki Thabo Foundation
Janet Hayes has been a Director at Rafiki Thabo Foundation since 2014. In this capacity, she has led significant projects, including the construction of a secondary school in Lesotho. Additionally, she implemented a program that provides daily hot meals to 70 secondary school students in Uganda, furthering the foundation's mission to support education and nutrition.
Professional Background at Oxford Policy Management
Janet Hayes worked at Oxford Policy Management for a total of 14 years, serving in various roles. She was a Consultant in Financial and Private Sector Policy from 2006 to 2014 and later became a Programme Manager and Team Leader from 2016 to 2022. During her tenure, she managed the Savings at the Frontier programme, a US$17.6 million initiative in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation, which aimed to connect savings groups with formal financial institutions.
Education and Qualifications
Janet Hayes holds a Master of Science in Development Management from The Open University, which she completed from 2002 to 2006. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and Germanic Studies from The University of Sheffield between 1993 and 1997. Earlier in her education, she achieved A-levels in French, German, and History at St Bartholomews School from 1990 to 1992, and completed her GCSEs at The Clere School from 1985 to 1990.