Making waves for young people

Plymouth Business School alum Ramon pioneers a charity using the sea to rebuild hope and connection for young people
Ramon Van der Velde, Chief Executive of The Wave Project and Plymouth Business School alumni on Towan Beach

Making waves for young people

Plymouth Business School alum Ramon pioneers a charity using the sea to rebuild hope and connection for young people
Plymouth Business School alum, Ramon Van de Velde, is Chief Executive of The Wave Project, a national surf therapy charity that supports over 2,500 children and young people across the UK.
With 17 locations, a dedicated team of 35 staff, and more than 1,400 volunteers, the charity uses the healing power of the ocean to improve mental health and wellbeing in a way that feels natural and engaging for young people.

Transforming young lives through surf therapy

I was motivated to lead the organisation after supporting a family member through significant mental health challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. I experienced that, for many families, getting the support they need isn’t always straightforward. This inspired me to dedicate myself to helping other children and families who might not have the same opportunities or resources. For me, mental health support should be a right - not a privilege - and early intervention is key, which is what our charity delivers.
The impact of The Wave Project's evidence-based surf therapy is far-reaching. Children who previously disengaged from conventional therapy can begin to reconnect with their families, schools, and communities, either taking up surfing long-term, joining clubs or returning to education. The charity’s work not only transforms lives but also contributes to wider societal wellbeing, including reducing pressure on public services.
The Wave Project - credit Ramon Van der Velde.
 
 

Some of our young surfers didn’t engage with any conventional therapy, but because this doesn’t feel like therapy, even though it is therapeutic, they begin to come out of their rooms, rediscover hope, and re-engage with life. We know that at worst we improve young lives, and at best we save them.

O'Neill x Lucie Donlan - The Wave Project - Ramon Van der Velde
Surfer girl surfing with surfboard on waves in Atlantic ocean. - stock photo

Developing leadership skills at Plymouth

My leadership approach is rooted in my time at Plymouth Business School, where I completed a Master’s degree in Personnel and Development while working full-time as Operations Director at Plymouth Pavilions. 
The programme offered a valuable blend of academic rigour and practical relevance, allowing me to apply HR theory directly to my workplace.
My dissertation, an Action Research project focused on staff involvement and service excellence, had a direct and lasting impact on organisational practices at the places where I worked, including the Eden Project, St Michael’s Mount and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. It involved benchmarking against other organisations and led to meaningful improvements in HR processes and staff engagement. 
From this, I earned the prestigious Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)/University of Plymouth Outstanding Student of the Year Award, which recognised both the quality of my research and its practical application. The award marked a significant milestone in my career and affirmed the value of combining academic insight with real-world leadership.
Great speakers know their audience - stock photo. Getty 1023551840

Feeling supported

Support from Plymouth staff, especially the now‑retired Associate Professor Beryl Badger, was crucial in helping me balance postgraduate study with a demanding professional and personal life. Her tailored guidance, deep expertise, and genuine care left a lasting impact. With her support, I completed the course and became a Fellow of the CIPD, an achievement that continues to shape my professional identity.
Although I never intended to pursue a career in HR, the Personnel and Development course gave me a deeper understanding of people and organisational dynamics, which I continue to apply in my leadership today. It helped me become a more strategic, empathetic, and reflective leader; qualities that are central to my work in the charity sector.
 
 
 
Today, Ramon continues to draw on the skills and insights gained during his time at Plymouth Business School. His work is a testament to the power of education that connects theory with practice, and leadership that puts people at its heart.
 
 
 

Interested in a career in HR?

Plymouth Business School offers a one-year taught masters degree (MA) in Human Resource Management .
Building a strong team, wooden blocks with people icon on blue background, Human resources and management concept