SPEAKERS TRUST - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Programme Director ( on Maternity Leave )
Alanna has a background in drama and arts education, with nine years of experience in managing charity and education programmes. She is passionate about the power of play and the importance of creativity in education.
Amelia represents Yorkshire on our alumni ambassador board. She describes her Speak Out journey to have been: "compelling, beneficial and transformative. I truly appreciates the opportunity Speakers Trust has offered me, through which I was able to use my voice, and raise awareness regarding the issues that concern me. The Speak Out Competition taught me how valuable my voice is and that everyone has the ability to perform. The workshop and the experience significantly enhanced my confidence, as before this I too was one of the 40% of young people, that struggled to speak in groups. However, since this event, I have achieved a lot, such as publishing my poetry in an anthology and attending the young Muslim Writer's Awards.
Job Titles:
- Associate Editor and Chief Political Commentator, the Observer
- Journalist
Andrew Rawnsley is a multiple award-winning journalist, best-selling author and critically-acclaimed broadcaster. The Associate Editor and Chief Political Commentator of The Observer, Andrew has won a string of prestigious prizes for his journalism. He has anchored political programmes on television and radio as well as making documentary series about the premierships of John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron. Andrew is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Honourary Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
"There is no skill more critical than the ability to communicate effectively with others. It is vital for the fulfilment of every individual's potential, for the vibrancy of our society and for the health of our democracy. I am extremely proud to be working with Speakers Trust to help more young people to develop their skills, build their confidence and amplify their voices."
Job Titles:
- Schools Liaison Coordinator
As the Raising Standard Assistant in an Essex Academy, Anna spent 10 years supporting young people of all abilities from ‘more able' students to those with specific educational and emotional needs achieve their full potential.
Having worked with young people from varying backgrounds, Anna believes all young people deserve to have access to the same opportunities regardless of their background and abilities. With the right support all young people can achieve their full potential, the sky's the limit if they are given the opportunity.
Coming from a musical background, Becky strongly believes that non-core subjects and skills shouldn't be forgotten about. Working solely on Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge for nearly seven years, she's seen the transformation it can make to students and is keen to support the programme for many years to come.
Cedric has come from teaching history in a comprehensive school, and is passionate about providing opportunities for all students to become who they want to be. He is excited to be supporting the mission of Speakers Trust and enabling young people to be heard and have the confidence to speak out.
Job Titles:
- Head of UK, Apricum Group
Charles is a renewable energy corporate financier who has spent 20 years advising and growing energy companies, with awards recognising his contribution along the way. His particular interests are finance, strategy and governance. He attended Cambridge University and back in the mists of time was once World Schools Debating Champion.
"I was itching to get involved with Speakers Trust to drive social mobility. This is so important for a fair society. Expressing your ideas with confidence and clarity is fundamental, in employment or education. Speakers Trust does this with admirable effectiveness and efficiency. More of our country deserves to benefit from its work."
Claire trained as an actor and has a background in youth and community work and event production. As a creative facilitator and project-manager, she has worked across the UK with all types of mainstream and specialist schools, alternative provisions, prisons and theatres. She is passionate about giving young people opportunities to express themselves and develop their life skills and wellbeing. Claire loves to see the impact of confidence-building projects and is therefore delighted to manage regional programmes across the UK.
David Butter's career has been based on live communication - which is why he is passionate that every young person should have the skills and opportunity to speak and be heard.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Coach
- Communications Consultant
- Executive
- Non - Executive Director
Fiona Wilkinson is a non-executive director, a communications consultant and an accredited executive coach. She has an extensive track record in business, including board level roles at Visa Europe, most recently as chief communications officer. She has been a trustee of Speakers Trust since 2014, becoming deputy chair in 2019, and chair at the beginning of 2021.
"I believe that now more than ever, it is important for young people to speak up and for their point of view to be heard. In this way we can overcome the divisions that threaten to rip our society apart. I know from personal experience that doing that, in public, is not easy. It takes preparation, practice and guts."
Gill Coleridge was co-founder of the literary agency Rogers Coleridge & White in l988, and represented many famous and prize-winning authors. Prior to that she worked in several publishing houses. Gill was Chair of RCW from 2014-2019 and continues as a part-time Consultant. She was President of the Association of Author's Agents, an advisor on the British Library Publishing Board, a Trustee of the Royal Literary Fund and is now a director of the Deborah Rogers Foundation, a charity which supports awards for publishing internships and first-time writers.
Hilary is an award winning trainer who knows how to bring out the best in people. She has twenty years' experience in communication skills. She is passionate about giving individuals the tools and techniques that will enable them to step out of their comfort zones and fully express themselves.
Job Titles:
- Director / CEO at MoMa 's Cookies UK & WeAdvocate CIC
Hulda is an alumnus of Jack Petchey's "Speak Out" Challenge! and graduate of the University of Northampton. Whilst at school she participated in "Speak Out" Challenge! training and was inspired by her experience and the power behind using your voice. So much so that she now runs two social enterprises centred in encouraging the community to use their voice and platform to make a difference. Hulda's passion for connecting with young people to amplify their voice is echoed in her work on a daily basis.
Kit is a leading independent advisor to the publishing and digital content industries. She began her career in magazines, broadcast journalism and book publishing before moving in to corporate finance and founding her own advisory firm in 1995. Educated at `McGill University she is a members of its Regional Advisory Board. She is an experienced non-executive director, and a former school governor. She has been an advocate for Speakers Trust and its young people since its founding and delighted to be an ambassador.
Job Titles:
- Events & Communications Manager
With a background in choreography and creative production for dance and theatre, Konstantina is keen to bring her creative insight into the world of education, with an emphasis on helping younger people find their voice. She believes communication is a fundamental life value, and cannot wait to see younger generations gain the confidence to manifest their dreams into existence.
Lizzie Runham is an experienced global HR leader with a depth of experience across the Tech, Financial Services, Healthcare and Professional Services sectors. She has over 20 years' experience in the field, 15 of which were in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Lizzie is a firm believer in the right of each person in the world to experience the dignity of work, and in organisations' urgent responsibility to make that a reality. Lizzie is also an Independent Non Exec for Monzo.
"I believe that at the core of humanity is the story; yours, mine and the one we create together. The work Speakers Trust do in unlocking the story & the story telling power within the next generation is both inspiring and vital and I am beyond thrilled to be part of the team".
Martin Thomas has worked in all areas of the marketing communications industry and advised some of the biggest brands. Much of his work is focused on helping organisations respond to the opportunities and challenges posed by digital media. He has written three books on this topic, including The Financial Times Guide to Social Media Strategy.
Mayumi was our 2020/21 Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge Grand Finalist and joined our youth ambassador board for this year.
Job Titles:
- Digital Learning and Events Manager
Melanie has a background in theatre and games and is passionate about using play and interactive experiences to challenge, empower and inspire. She has over 14 years of experience working with arts charities in a variety of capacities covering programme development and delivery, business planning, fundraising, devising and delivering workshops, and team management and mentoring. Mel loves the Speakers Trust mission and is happiest when attending events and seeing young people (and their families) beaming with pride.
Job Titles:
- Professional Communications Advisers
Neil is a professional communications advisers, working with business leaders, FTSE 250 companies and individuals. He is passionate about communication and the difference it can make in building confidence and influencing positive change. He started his career in the British Army as an Officer in the 1 st Battalion Scots Guards, deploying on multiple tours to Afghanistan. In his spare time Neil likes trail running, reading and dogs.
Russell brings over 25 years of implementing strategic change. After a career in the technology, media and telecoms sector, he has spent the last 15 years leading charities that empower young people to reach their potential in sport and education. Since joining Speakers Trust, Russell has led the geographic expansion and digital transformation of our work.
Samanta participated in the Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge 2020/21 Grand Final with her speech "The power of the fool". She afterwards joined our alumni ambassador team to continue her journey with the Speak Out Challenge and help other like-minded individuals to feel proud of their achievements and their incredible impact in this world.
Simon Heale worked in Asia for 22 years in shipping, aviation and investment banking before returning to the U.K. in 2001 to run the London Metal Exchange. Subsequently he has chaired and been a non executive director of a number of publicly listed companies and also a trustee of several charities. He is by training a qualified accountant.
"I realised in my 20's that being a good public speaker was an essential skill and also realised that I wasn't very good at it. Despite finding it challenging, I started to learn some of the key elements and went out of my way to practise. I still need to improve but no longer find it daunting and it has been an enormous asset. I was thrilled to become a trustee of Speakers Trust and do something to help young people develop this key skill."
Solomon was a Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge 2020/21 Grand Finalist with a speech entitled "Never Giving Up". Afterwards he joined our alumni ambassador team to share his ideas and be able to bring new thoughts that would aid a greater cause.
Sue has a long and varied career working in the voluntary sector both in a professional and voluntary capacity. She set up the hugely successful Speak Up! Speak Out! Programme and is the Founder of the charity as it is today. Through her work for Speakers Trust (unpaid) Sue was nominated for a Prime Minister's Points of Light award in 2018, is a National Training Award winner, holds a Highly Commended Beacon Fellowship Award and was nominated UK & Ireland Toastmaster of the Year when she first set up the programme back in 1998.
Tim is a passionate and recognised advocate of inclusion. With a focus on Education, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship this has led him to establish a ground breaking charitable foundation, chair the Board of Governors of an outstanding OFSTED rated school and speak on the topic in its various guises internationally. Recently he has become the Trading Futures lead and Regional Head of Africa for the OSTC Group. Tim was awarded an MBE in 2012 for his services to Enterprise Culture. He was the winner of the first series of BBC's The Apprentice. More recently, as a Liveryman and Freeman of the City of London, Tim has prioritised his work in education. He is an apprenticeship ambassador for the UK Government and currently sits on the City of London Education Board.
Vedy graduated with a management degree and attained CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. She has worked for several years in the private sector, and is passionate about working in the third sector. She has been actively involved in Charities as a voluntary treasurer over 12 years.
Job Titles:
- Head of Enterprise, Philanthropy & Growth
Victoria has a robust background in education, youth work and public speaking - as well as a degree in History from Goldsmiths College, University of London. She loves to meet and work with a variety of people. Victoria strongly believes that everyone should have a voice to speak about whatever it is that is important to them.
Job Titles:
- Programmes Director ( Maternity Cover )
Victoria has a background in literacy education, and six years' experience managing national education and training programmes. She is passionate about providing young people with as many opportunities as possible to achieve their full potential, empowering them to communicate their ideas and express themselves through the arts and creativity.