BIG INTERVIEW: Caroline Cayzer, chief executive, GFS Platform

Cayzer, who joined GFS Platform, or the Girls' Friendly Society as it used to be known, as chief executive in December has been entrusted with nothing less than directing the organisation from the brink of collapse.

GFS has seen its income cut drastically as a result of falls in the stock market during the past few years, which has led to a decline in the income from many charities' investments. This has meant a radical refocusing of activities, and the change in name is just the start of it.

"Having a business background helps," says Cayzer, who previously worked in change management roles for housing associations and before that in the mechanical engineering sector. "Making a profit is fun, but using it to help people in need is more satisfying," she says.