Saffy Through the Years: Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership at MDS

This month, we’re celebrating something really special – our CEO, Sapphira ‘Saffy’ Waterson, has reached 20 years with MDS!

Anyone who’s worked with Saffy knows she’s the heart of the organisation. Her commitment to MDS, our Trainees, and our Members has shaped the business into what it is today. From the moment she joined back in 2005, she’s poured her energy into growing the programme and supporting people at every level.

From the Early Days to CEO

Saffy started her MDS journey 20 years ago, and since then has driven huge changes. She initially joined as Development Manager and spent 10 years in the role, before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2015.

In 2022, she made history as the first CEO of MDS, bringing her clear vision and people-first approach to the role. Since then, she’s led the organisation through some of its most defining moments.

One of those was the COVID-19 pandemic. With the team reduced to just two people, Saffy kept everything moving – supporting Trainees, staying connected with Members, and making sure MDS remained strong and steady in uncertain times. It was a tough period, but her calm leadership and unwavering commitment meant we came through it more resilient than ever.

Building Something Bigger

Over the years, Saffy has overseen big changes at MDS – growing the team, strengthening our board, and welcoming more Members and Trainees into the fold. Under her leadership, the scheme has expanded massively, giving even more future leaders the opportunity to thrive in the industry.

She’s also played a key role in shaping the future of apprenticeships more widely. As Chair of the newly formed Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agencies (FJAA) committee, Saffy is working with organisations from across a range of industries to champion collaboration and share best practice. The group is focused on strengthening the flexi-job model and ensuring apprenticeships continue to deliver real value for both learners and employers.

In Her Own Words

We asked Saffy to reflect on the past two decades with MDS – and what the journey has meant to her.

“When I joined MDS 20 years ago, I had no idea how deeply it would shape my career and my values. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such passionate, talented people – both in our team and across the industry. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about where we’re heading.”
 – Sapphira Waterson, CEO

More Than a CEO

What makes Saffy stand out isn’t just what she does – it’s how she does it. She’s warm, approachable, and genuinely cares about the people around her. Whether she’s cheering on a Trainee’s success, catching up with alumni, or working closely with Members, she leads with empathy and integrity.

That care extends well beyond the day job. Over the years, Saffy has opened her home to Trainees in need, shared interview and leadership advice from her own living room, and always gone the extra mile to make sure everyone feels supported and encouraged. It’s all part of her commitment to making MDS not just a programme, but a truly supportive community.

Her influence can be felt across the organisation, not only in the way we work, but in the values we hold and the supportive culture we’re proud of today.

Here’s to What’s Next

Twenty years is a long time, but she’s still as passionate about developing future leaders as she was on day one, and there’s so much more to come.

Saffy, thank you for everything you’ve done – and continue to do – for MDS. We wouldn’t be where we are without you!