David Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Stepping Stones Projects
“CP are driven by a desire to make a difference, do the right thing and to help charities like ours deliver on our purpose and mission. They are innovative, resilient and resourceful solution finders that we know we can work with in an honest and open way. If there is a way to make it happen they will find it.”
We are relentless about impact.
We never lose sight of why we exist, to create lasting social change and homes that truly transform lives.
We are uncompromising on quality.
Every detail matters. We set high standards because the people we serve deserve nothing less.
We are honest through challenge.
We face obstacles openly, together, with integrity and without blame. That’s how trust — and progress — are built.
We are fun and humble, always.
We take the work seriously, not ourselves. Joy, humour, and gratitude keep us grounded and connected.
About Us
Richard Kennedy
Co Founder
It was working with an inspiring township business during his MBA in South Africa, that moved Richard to work in the social sector. He went on to become one of the pioneers in the field of Social Value Assessments (now commonplace).
Today, with over 25 years of not-for-profit, social investment, corporate and hospitality experience, Richard is an experienced multi-company director and charity trustee. He was a founding trustee and co-chair of Social Value International for nearly a decade, was chair of Social Value UK for over 10 years, is current chair of Mears Group PLC’s ESG Board and Co-Chair of the Homelessness Policy Group at the Chartered Institute of Housing. He is also a founding trustee of Celebrate Trust and a seasoned international conference speaker on topics such as social investment, housing, inequality, ESG and social impact measurement.
Richard has a deep-rooted spiritual drive to improve the lives of others.
David Ball
Co Founder
A landmark for David came in his teens and early twenties. He would spend many hours of a weekend searching Coventry’s streets for his dad who had wrestled in a seemingly never-ending battle with alcohol addiction and spent a lot of time sleeping rough.
Having lived this first-hand experience, he is passionate about re-purposing his expertise to address the current housing crisis to reduce the suffering for other families facing similar challenges and to help restore dignity by offering a fresh start to those facing homelessness.
David has over 20 years’ experience in the property industry, sourcing and structuring deals for private investors, sales and marketing management and analysing and delivering complex property developments. He is also a trustee for the Board of Social Care in Action, a group of social enterprises who provide community services across the South.