HUMANISTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Writer
- Writer, Comedian, and Former Doctor
Adam Kay was made a patron of Humanists UK for their exploration of the human condition through the arts.
Adam Kay is an award-winning writer, comedian and former doctor. (NB the awards were for writing and comedy rather than medicine). His debut book, This is Going to Hurt, was a literary sensation: a Sunday Times number one bestseller for over a year, translated into 37 languages and turned into a hit TV show for BBC/AMC starring Ben Whishaw. He continues to write books, perform live and advocate for doctors. He lives in Oxfordshire with his dog and husband. (Two separate individuals).
Job Titles:
- Actress, Singer, and Patron of Humanists UK / See Details
Adèle Anderson was made a patron of Humanists UK for her exploration of the human condition through the arts.
Adèle Anderson specialises in cabaret and musical theatre and is best known as a member of the internationally acclaimed cabaret group Fascinating Aida, founded in 1983. She has also appeared on TV, film and radio, writes lyrics, and has directed shows.
Alan Haworth was made a patron of Humanists UK for his contribution to humanist philosophy.
Alan Haworth was born in 1944 and brought up in North London, attending Preston Park Primary and Haberdashers' Aske's schools. He went on to study Philosophy and English Literature at Keele University, where he also took courses in French and Physics; he was attracted to Keele by the breadth of its curriculum, which was unusual for those times. He went on to specialise in Philosophy and was awarded postgraduate degrees by London University (M.Phil and Ph.D. by Birkbeck College and University College respectively). He spent the greater part of his working life at London Metropolitan University - formerly the Polytechnic of North London - where he developed and taught courses in Ethics, Political Philosophy, and the History of Ideas.
Alan Haworth first became involved with Humanists UK, when he was invited to join the Humanist Philosophers Group a few years ago. That was when he had to ask himself precisely what he understood "Humanism" to be, and he says:
Alan Haworth was one of the 43 scientists and philosophers who in March 2002 signed a letter to Tony Blair and relevant Government departments, deploring the teaching of Creationism in schools.
He has written a number of books, two of which may be of particular interest to the general reader:
Alex lives and works in Cambridge, the city she has called home for most of the last 45 years (apart from three years in Oxford).
She has worked as a lecturer in Social Policy, in mental health and end-of-life care, running a food justice project and, for the past five years as a celebrant with Humanists UK, leading funerals, weddings and namings. She is also a volunteer chaplain at her local hospice.
Despite a childhood ambition to become the Archbishop of Canterbury, she has, for many years, been a committed humanist with a special interest in community and social justice.
Professor Alice Roberts was made a patron of Humanists UK for her contribution to the greater public understanding of science and her contribution to the better understanding of the human condition.
Job Titles:
- Science Communicator, Teacher, and Author / See Details
Alom Shaha was made a patron of Humanists UK for his contribution to the greater public understanding of science.
Amy has worked for HM Prison and Probation Service for 20 years. During this time she has worked in a variety of settings including community probation teams, courts and prisons. She is a qualified probation officer and currently works as Head of Offender Management Delivery and Resettlement at her local prison.
She has a BA(Hons) Criminology from Southampton Solent University and a Diploma in Probation Studies from Portsmouth University.
In 2011, Amy identified the need for non-religious pastoral support for prisoners and initiated this provision. Since that time she has played an integral part in developing and expanding non-religious pastoral care. As a founding member of the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network she held the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. She is also involved in the design and delivery of training for pastoral carers.
Andrew is Chief Executive of Humanists UK. He became Chief Executive in 2010 after five years coordinating Humanists UK's education and public affairs work. Andrew is also current President of Humanists International.
Together with A C Grayling, Andrew edited the Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism (2015) and he is the author of Secularism: Politics, Religion, and Freedom (Oxford University Press, 2017). He has written on humanist and secularist issues for The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, and New Statesman as well as for various journals.
Andrew has represented Humanists UK and the humanist movement extensively on national television including on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky, as well as on programmes such as Newsnight, The Daily Politics, Sunday Morning Live, and The Big Questions. He has also appeared on BBC radio programmes such as the Today programme, You and Yours, Sunday, The World Tonight, The World at One, The Last Word, and Beyond Belief as well as on other local and national commercial radio stations.
Andrew served for many years as a director and trustee of the Religious Education Council, the Values Education Council, and the National Council for Faiths and Beliefs in Further Education.
Andrew Copson is our Chief Executive, responsible for day-to-day management of the organisation as a whole, and management of the staff team. He has been Chief Executive of Humanists UK since 2010, prior to which he worked across educational and public affairs roles within the charity. He is an expert on humanism who has written widely on the subject, and is regularly invited to appear on TV and radio news programmes. As well as these roles, Andrew is a trustee of the Religious Education Council and President of Humanists International - the umbrella body bringing the global humanist movement together to pursue human rights at an international level.
Andrew Mueller was made a patron of Humanists UK for his journalism on issues of concern to humanists.
Andrew Mueller is an Australian-born, London-based journalist, contributing more or less regularly to The Financial Times, The Guardian, Esquire, Uncut, Monocle, and New Humanist, among others. He is also the author of the the books I Wouldn't Start From Here ("...graphic, comic, bemused and properly contemptuous of faith and ideology", according to another Humanists UK Patron Jonathan Meades) and Rock & Hard Places, and was a contributor to The Atheist's Guide To Christmas. He also sings and plays guitar in tantalisingly obscure country band The Blazing Zoos, and has not yet ceased being amused by the fact that he appears in the index of Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion in between Mozart and Muhammad.
Andrew is a public affairs, communications consultant, and investor specialising in the education and healthcare sectors. At present he is working with clients trying to tackle the care crisis across Europe. He has previously worked in similar roles for brands such as McDonald's, Pearson, and social impact start-ups.
Passionate about rational, respectful dialogue, and debate, between 2015 and 2022 he served as a trustee of The Philosophy Foundation, a charity that promotes the teaching and practice of Philosophy across the UK.
Andrew also has an academic background in Philosophy and holds a BA and MA from the University of Cambridge and King's College London, respectively. In his spare time he runs two book clubs with over 5,000 members and is forever trying to finish a book of his own.
Andrew joined in May 2011, after two years volunteering as Humanists UK's Photographer-in-Residence. He ran his own IT company for nine years before joining Humanists UK, and is now responsible for managing and coding the Humanists UK website, its many spin-off websites, the office computers, and the contact database. Outside of the office he is a private pilot and ballroom dancer. He also represented Humanists UK on the Fourth Plinth.
Angela Barnes was made a patron of Humanists UK for her exploration of the human condition through the arts.
Angela Barnes is a stand-up comedian and comedy show panelist from Kent. In 2011 she won the BBC New Comedy Award and has since toured several solo shows, including You Can't Take It With You, a show based on the death of her father, an atheist, and Angela's own approach to life, which went on to be a successful Radio 4 series. She can now be seen on Live At The Apollo, as a regular panellist on BBC2's Mock The Week, and heard on Radio 4's The News Quiz, where she has followed in the footsteps of her comedy hero, former Humanists UK President, Linda Smith. Angela is also co-host of the ‘less than serious' history podcast We Are History alongside comedy writer and acclaimed author John O'Farrell. Angela lives in Brighton with her husband Matt and beloved cockapoo Tina. Angela and Matt were married in September 2021 in a humanist ceremony she describes as ‘glorious and colourful... full of love, joy, and laughter'. The ceremony was conducted by Radio 4 newsreader and Humanist UK celebrant Susan Rae. She will be touring a new stand up show in 2022, you can find out more on her website: www.angelabarnescomedy.co.uk
Job Titles:
- Member of the Labour Party
Angela Eagle MP was made a patron of Humanists UK for her contribution to advancing human rights, equality, and justice and her humanist contributions to ethical questions in public life.
Angela Eagle has been an active member of the Labour Party since her teens, and held various positions in the party before being elected to Parliament in 1992, when she became the first ever Labour Member of Parliament for Wallasey. Whilst in opposition, she became a member of the Employment Select Committee which has investigated such subjects as the role of trade unions, mothers in employment and executive salaries. In recognition of her achievements, she was promoted to the role of opposition whip in 1996. When Labour returned to government, she served as the Minister of State for Pensions and Ageing Society from June 2009 until May 2010, was elected to the Shadow Cabinet in October 2010, and was appointed by Ed Miliband to be Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury. On 7 October 2011, she was appointed Shadow Leader of the House of Commons.
In April 2011, Angela Eagle was famously put down in the House of Commons by prime minister David Cameron when he used Michael Winner's catchphrase "Calm down, dear" in a way that was widely regarded as patronising and provoked calls for an apology.
She was Parliament's first openly lesbian member and in 2008 entered into a civil partnership. She was joined in Parliament in 1997 by her twin sister, Maria Eagle; they thus became the first set of twins to sit in the House, and they are currently the only pair of sisters in the Commons. She was ranked in the top 50 on The Independent's 'Pink List' of the 101 most influential gay men and women in Britain 2009.
Angus John "Gus" Macdonald, Baron Macdonald of Tradeston, CBE, PC
Angus John "Gus" Macdonald, Baron Macdonald of Tradeston, CBE, PC was made a patron of Humanists UK for his humanist contributions to ethical questions in public life.
Anish Kapoor was made a patron of Humanists UK for her exploration of the human condition through the arts.
Anish Kapoor was somewhat vague when asked in an interview, "You have deep links with Humanists UK. What's up with that?":
I'm not willing to argue for any cause - that would make me a doctrinaire, which is not exactly what Humanists UK seeks out to do. I'll give you one example of how humanism or not being a doctrinaire helps. When you go into a studio as an artist, you should not go in to do what you want to do. You should go in to do what you don't want to do, to explore possibilities. I like to be open to poetic revelations.
Professor Anjali Goswami was made a patron of Humanists UK for their contribution to the greater public understanding of science.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Trustee
- Treasurer of the Board of Trustees at Hum
Ann is a committed humanist, sharing the Humanists UK vision of personal fulfilment found in our connections with others, and finding meaning in science, reason, compassion, and creativity.
Ann is a qualified treasurer and accountant with a particular interest in good governance. She has many years experience in banking, working in audit, finance, treasury, and risk. She has also worked as a non-executive Director of a Credit Union and a Building Society. She is currently working as a Director of Rhino Software Ltd., a company which develops innovative mobile apps for the SME market.
Ann is a trustee and treasurer of the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of Emmaus UK, a national charity which works to end homelessness. She is also a Director of Leicester Health Insight (LHI) a not for profit company which aims to facilitate improvements in health and social care for the population of Leicester city.
Ann O'Connell is the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees at Humanists UK. Ann is a qualified treasurer and accountant with many years of experience in banking, working in audit, finance, treasury, and risk. She is currently working as a Director of Rhino Software Ltd., a company which develops innovative mobile apps for the SME market.
Ann-Michelle joined Humanists UK in 2022. Ann-Michelle's role is to lead on all aspects related to our people's experience of working or volunteering with us. She oversees our people strategy and associated activities, including staff and volunteer engagement, recruitment, leadership, learning and development, and our people brand. She works alongside our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Group to promote EDI across the workforce. As Head of People, she also oversees HR for the staff team.
Ann-Michelle's journey into human resources was through learning and development, and organisational development. She has experience across various industries and sectors including the financial sector, healthcare, sporting events, and non-profit organisations. With a passion for effecting positive change in order for people and organisations to reach their full potential, she ensures the HR function is efficient and effective as well as a strategic partner. Ann-Michelle studied at the University of Denver and received her Master's of Science in Organisational Development and Training in 2002.
Job Titles:
- Dame Professor
- Professor of Biology, and Former Chief Scientific Adviser to the European Commission
Anne Glover was made a patron of Humanists UK for her contribution to the greater public understanding of science.
Dame Professor Anne Glover is a biologist and academic who is currently Vice Principal for External Affairs and Dean for Europe at the University of Aberdeen. Previously, Anne served as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Scottish Government and later to the European Commission.
Job Titles:
- Television Comedy Writer, Journalist
- Writer
Ariane Sherine was made a patron of Humanists UK for her exploration of the human condition through the arts.
Ariane Sherine is a television comedy writer, journalist and the creator of the Atheist Bus Campaign.
She has written for television shows including My Family (BBC1) and Countdown (Channel 4) as well as CBBC and CITV. She writes regularly for The Guardian's Comment & Debate section, and has also contributed to The Independent, The Sunday Times, New Statesman and the NME.
At the height of the Atheist Bus Campaign in January 2009 Ariane joined a small but prestigious list of non-religious people invited to present a "Thought For the Day" on BBC Radio 4 (though not in the contested Today programme slot).
Job Titles:
- Health Education Specialist
- Health Educator / See Details
Baroness Doreen Massey of Darwen was made a patron of Humanists UK for her humanist contributions to ethical questions in public life.
Baroness Massey is a health education specialist on a range of issues including drug and alcohol misuse, HIV/AIDS and sexual health, in national and international contexts. She is the former Director of the UK Family Planning Association, has published a range of books and training resources on health and sex education, and is a qualified teacher.
Job Titles:
- Journalist, Television Presenter, and Labour Party Peer
Baroness Joan Bakewell DBE was made a patron of Humanists UK for her exploration of the human condition through the arts and her humanist contributions to ethical questions in public life.
Joan Bakewell was born in Stockport in 1933. She attended Newnham College at the University of Cambridge, where she studied Economics, then History.
Beginning her career in the 1960s, Bakewell has a history of programme-making for the BBC, including a number of eye-opening documentaries that challenged, informed, and stimulated the British public, including on subjects like sex, race relations, religion, and the death penalty. She currently presents Portrait Artist of the Year for Sky Television.
She's written for The Independent, The Times, and The Guardian predominantly on issues relating to society, culture, and politics.
In 2008, she was appointed a voice for older people by the UK Government, an issue she's passionately led on since being awarded a life peerage in 2010, joining the Labour Party benches.
In 2017, Bakewell was elected co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, the cross-party group which represents humanists in Parliament. Later that year, she was named Humanist UK's Humanist of the Year in recognition of her achievements in broadcasting and services to humanism.
She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1999 Birthday Honours and promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours.
She appeared on the Humanists UK podcast What I Believe in 2020.
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- Groups and Sections Coordinator
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- Head of Membership and Promotion )
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- Barrister and Occasional Novelist, Former Labour MP for Medway
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- Coordinator for Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Coordinator
- Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator
Boyd is the Coordinator for Northern Ireland Humanists, the section bringing together all of Humanists UK's members and supporters in Northern Ireland. Before he came to Humanists UK, he was an organiser for event around public understanding of science, and founding chair of the group Atheist NI.
Boyd's role is to expand the reach of Northern Ireland Humanists' campaigns, services, events, community, and public awareness work. He is particularly motivated around issues related to education reform in Northern Ireland, and has spearheaded calls for reform of the Religious Education curriculum and for an end to religious privilege in state funded schools. He has also been highly involved in work to extend same-sex marriage and abortion rights to Northern Ireland, being involved in intervention cases through to the Supreme Court. Boyd was instrumental in Northern Ireland Humanists' legal case to bring about legal humanist marriages.
He is widely called upon to give talks about humanism in schools and universities, and regularly features on the radio discussing Northern Ireland Humanists' current campaigns and priorities. Boyd is a trainer for both Humanist School Speaking and Non-Religious Pastoral Care.
Boyd is the Coordinator for Northern Ireland Humanists, the section bringing together all of Humanists UK's members and supporters in Northern Ireland. Before he came to Humanists UK, he was an organiser for events around public understanding of science, and founding chair of the group Atheist NI.
Job Titles:
- Comedian, Writer, Podcaster, and Children 's Author / See Details
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- Director of Organisational Operations
Catriona studied at the University of Dundee and has an MA and MPhil in European politics. After almost ten years in the money advice sector she joined Humanists UK. She is responsible for making sure Humanists UK has the right policies, procedures and operational plans in place to achieve its aims. She works with senior management to improve efficiency and ensure organisational sustainability and is also responsible smooth running of the administration and finance systems. She has a post-graduate qualification in Charity Management and Finance and has been a Prince2 practitioner. She is a member of the Central London Humanists, and spends her spare time in art galleries and swimming.
Job Titles:
- Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Charley is policy and public affairs manager for exam board and education charity AQA. He has previously worked for a democratic reform think tank, as a parliamentary researcher, and as a campaigns intern at Humanists UK. He has a BA politics first from Sussex and an MRes in quantitative political science from the London School of Economics.
He is a governor of a local primary school, a trustee of his old youth club, a volunteer admissions assessor for his alma mater United World Colleges GB and the Humanist representative Lambeth SACRE.
A lifelong Londoner, his interests include urbanism, languages, and improv. Charley believes humanism and Humanists UK have an invaluable role to play in pursuing rational, secular policymaking - to improve society, promote freedoms, and enrich people's lives.
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- Head of Music at BBC Radio 1
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- Pastoral Care Coordinator for Prisons
Ciaran has been the Pastoral Care lead in Northern Ireland since 2018. He has been instrumental in establishing our Non-Religious Pastoral Care Volunteering service in Maghaberry Prison, and is working towards this service being offered as standard in all Northern Irish prisons.
Ciaran has been offering pastoral care and emotional support for most of his adult life, whether as a shop steward in the biggest factory in Ireland or the youth convenor at his rugby club.
It was after his own experiences as a patient in a hospital setting that he recognised the need for non-religious Pastoral Care, and gained training and accreditation with Humanists UK and the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network.
Clare joined Humanists UK in 2021 and oversees our work supporting people through the Non-Religious Pastoral Care Network, providing institutional care in settings like hospitals and prisons, and Faith to Faithless, which provides peer support and advice to so-called ‘apostates'. Clare's role is to advance provision of like-minded pastoral care to and by humanists and non-religious people in healthcare, prisons, defence, and beyond, as well as developing our support for individuals leaving high-control religions.
Before coming to Humanists UK, she spent nearly 20 years working in the violence against women and girls sector, including as a local authority commissioner, and with the Home Office, College of Policing, and Crown Prosecution Service. This included diverse projects such as script consultancy for EastEnders and advocacy development for the world's first multi-agency stalking intervention programme. She has a particular interest in trauma recovery, with an MSc in applied positive psychology specialising in support for trauma professionals.
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- President of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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- Labour Politician, and Campaigner on Climate Change / See Details
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- Comedian, Writer, and Television Presenter, See Details
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- Broadcaster, Writer, and Educator / See Details
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- Head of Pastoral Support, 2013 - 2015 )
Deborah leads Humanist Ceremonies, and oversees the training and developing Humanists UK's network of more than 560 accredited celebrants for funerals, weddings, and naming ceremonies She also makes sure that more and more people are aware of their choice for an inclusive, personal, and meaningful non-religious ceremony at the most significant moments of their lives.
Her background is in brand marketing and business development. Originally a retail buyer, she spent much of her career in publishing, intellectual property management, licensing, and children's entertainment at Penguin Books, BBC Worldwide, and other international media companies, including in-house, as management, and as a consultant.
She is also herself an accredited humanist celebrant for funerals, weddings, and naming ceremonies. As a French speaker, she specialises in heartfelt and authentic bilingual ceremonies.
Job Titles:
- Aeronautical Engineer and Balloon Manufacturer
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- President
- Geneticist, Author, Broadcaster, and President of Humanists UK / See Details
Dr Adam Rutherford is the President of Humanists UK, the organisation's most high-profile ambassador. He is an acclaimed geneticist, science writer, and broadcaster. As President he is supported to raise awareness of humanism in the public at large by a team of Vice Presidents and Humanists UK patrons, who collectively represent many of the UK's leading entertainers, thinkers, and activists.
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- Doctor, Writer, and Broadcaster
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- Co - Director, Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, LSE
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- Writer, Philosopher, and Patron
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- Computer Scientist and Writer
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- Retired Doctor and Assisted Dying Campaigner
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- Archaeologist, Author, and Public Scholar
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- Professor of Computer Game Design
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- Writer, Lecturer and Broadcaster
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- Academic and Science Writer / See Details
Emma has worked in marketing and communications within charities, the arts and education for two decades. Based in Cardiff, she currently leads on Communications and Events for an innovative programme working in communities across Wales.
Previously chair of Wales Humanists, Emma has been involved in humanist campaigns in Wales, particularly around education. Passionate about people and community, she regularly runs events to bring people together in her local area, and is a trustee of the local village hall.
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- Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion
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- Science Writer and Presenter
Baroness Thornton was made a patron of Humanists UK for her contribution to advancing human rights, equality, and justice.
Glenys Thornton was born in 1952. She graduated from the London School of Economics, was Political Secretary of the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society from 1981, and joined the public affairs team of the Co-operative Wholesale Society upon their merger in 1985 and worked there until 1992. She was General Secretary of the Fabian Society from 1993 to 1996.
In 1998 she was made a Life peer as Baroness Thornton of Manningham in the County of West Yorkshire. In the Lords she has been a Government Whip (2008-10); Government Spokesperson for Work and Pensions (2008), Equality (2008), Health (2008, 2009-10); Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health 2010; Opposition Spokesperson for: Health (2010-12(, Work and Pensions (2010), Equalities Office (from 2010).
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- Artist, Producer, and Composer
Iain has been an office-bearer in humanist organisations for over 25 years. As Chair of the Northern Ireland section of Humanists UK since 2016 he is responsible to the Chief Executive for advising on and supporting the development of Humanists UK's work in Northern Ireland. As a Trustee of Humanists UK, Iain is responsible for ensuring that the Northern Ireland perspective is heard at a national level. He is keen to help the humanist community here grow and that there is an understanding of humanist and secular heritage in Northern Ireland. Iain is also a School Speaking Volunteer.
Iain studied geography and town planning at Queen's University, Belfast and has worked in strategic planning and commissioning in housing and health authorities in Northern Ireland for 36 years. He has been the Commissioning Lead for Belfast in the NI health service for the past ten years, working closely with local communities experiencing some of the deepest inequalities in the UK.
He has had various leadership roles in humanist organisations for 25 years and is a school speaker and the Northern Ireland Humanists lead for Community Development. Iain worked closely with Andrew Copson and Boyd Sleator to set up Northern Ireland Humanists in 2016 and is proud of the Northern Ireland Humanists team and the achievements it has had in a short time, in the very challenging local environment of sectarian politics and religiosity.
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- Radio and TV Presenter / See Details
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- Actress, Presenter, Broadcaster, and Writer / See Details
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- Office and Administration Manager
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- Writer, Comedian, and Broadcaster
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- Philosopher and Journalist
Kat is the Northern Ireland lead for LGBT Humanists. This role involves organising community and educational LGBT events, such as socials and panel discussions. Kat supports campaigns for LGBT rights, and provides representation of the non-religious within the wider LGBT community and human rights sector.
In addition to being LGBT lead, Kat helps to develop Northern Ireland Humanists' social media presence, and supports event planning and community development. Kat, who is German, has lived in Northern Ireland for some time after having grown up in Italy. A big fan of cats, Kat is also an avid knitter.
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- Anthropologist and Author
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- Comedian, Columnist, and Political Activist / See Details
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- Wales Humanists Coordinator
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- School Speaker Coordinator
Laura leads our School Speaker programme in Northern Ireland, promoting inclusive RE by providing trained speakers to talk about Humanism in primary and secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutes. Our speakers engage with young people and teachers on issues around human rights, equality and critical thinking, whilst providing an understanding of the philosophy of Humanism.
A primary school teacher with an MA in Education from Goldsmiths University London, Laura works with Humanists UK to deliver training for teachers and school speakers, and is a trained Non-Religious Pastoral Support Volunteer. Laura is one third of the Northern Ireland Humanists Delivery Group, in which she works closely with the Chief Executive of Humanists UK to ensure the advancement of the Northern Ireland development plan.
Laura is also one of our accredited Wedding Celebrants, and loves creating unique, memorable wedding ceremonies for couples in love!
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- Journalist and Former Politician
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- Director of Communications and Development
Liam joined the team at Humanists UK in 2014 from a writing background in publishing after working with the organisation on a number of writing and design projects. In that time he has worked across the organisation's communications, marketing, engagement, and fundraising functions. He has served as Director of Communications and Development since 2019.
Liam was highly involved in the organisation's successful rebrand to become ‘Humanists UK'. His day to day role involves managing the communications team and maintaining oversight of the look, feel, and voice of the charity across its many publications and its wide array of promotional and development-related activities.
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- Architect of the Same - Sex Marriage Act 2013
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- Science Broadcaster and Poker Champion / See Details
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- Celebrant and Former Member of the Welsh Assembly
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- Actress, Writer, and Comedian / See Details
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- Director of Understanding Humanism
Luke is responsible for promoting the understanding of humanism, especially in formal education settings. He manages Humanists UK's school speakers programme; teacher training and CPD; and the production of educational resources.
Before joining Humanists UK, he was a primary school teacher and maths leader. He also worked as a freelance philosophy teacher in both primary and secondary schools, having trained with SAPERE and The Philosophy Foundation. He is currently a school governor. Before his work in education, he was a TV producer and director. He worked on science and history documentaries, and children's and factual entertainment for the BBC, Channel Five, and CITV, as well as producing educational training materials and classroom video resources for Teachers TV, Channel 4 Learning, and BBC Learning Zone.
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- Climate Change Professor and Writer / See Details
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- Labour Politician / See Details
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- Writer and Adviser on Employment and Discrimination Law
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- Co - Founder of WordPress
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- Doctor, Columnist, and Author
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- Chairman
- Member of the Chair of the Board
- Trustee
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Humanists UK, Lea
Neil Hawkins is a committed humanist with a strong belief in the values of kindness, tolerance, and freedom. Neil has spent 32 years in education, first as a teacher then as a middle and senior manager and then served for 16 years as Principal of Concord College, Shropshire; he now works part-time with a brief to facilitate high-quality education internationally. Neil is also Chair of Befrienders Worldwide, the foremost global network of suicide prevention and emotional support centres.He has long experience of leadership, change management, marketing, financial planning, the charitable sector and of governance.
Neil Hawkins is Chair of the Board of Trustees at Humanists UK, leading the group accountable for the strategic direction of Humanists UK and the fulfilment of its charitable aims. Neil is also Chair of Befrienders Worldwide, the foremost global network of suicide prevention and emotional support centres. He has long experience of leadership, change management, marketing, financial planning, the charitable sector and of governance.
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- Trustee
- Vice Chair
- Head of Religious Studies
Neil McKain is a Head of Religious Studies with over ten years teaching experience. He graduated in Theology and RS from the University of Leeds and holds an MA in Philosophy and Religion from the University of London. His work nationally in RE has been extensive. Neil is part of an advisory group to the Rt Hon Charles Clarke and Professor Linda Woodhead in their work on a new legal settlement for RE.
Neil has served on the executive of the National Association for Teachers of RE (NATRE) for the last six years and is a member of the RE working group at OFSTED. He is a published author of student textbooks as well as articles on RE more generally.
Neil also serves as a primary school governor with responsibility for curriculum and standards. Neil is a committed humanist and a firm advocate for RE which is objective, fair, and balanced.
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- Doctor, Quizzer, and Comedian
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- Director of Public Affairs and Policy )
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- Philosopher, Author, Speaker, and Lecturer / See Details
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- Columnist, Broadcaster, and Vice President
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- Actor, Writer, and Producer
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- Author and Great - Great Grandson of Charles Darwin
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- Writer and Stand - Up Comedian
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- Writer, Commentator, and Speaker
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- Director of Public Affairs and Policy
Richy works on issues from across Humanists UK's public policy remit. From 2015 to early 2017 Richy was the Campaigns Manager. From 2011 to 2015 he was the Faith Schools and Education Campaigns Officer, and before that he was the President of Humanist Students.
Richy is formerly the Treasurer of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, a member of the advisory group of the Sex Education Forum, a member of the steering groups of Voice for Choice. the Assisted Dying Coalition, the Accord Coalition for inclusive education, and humanist representative and Vice Chair of Lambeth Standing Advisory Council on RE.
During his time at Humanists UK, he has proven himself as a formidable campaigner, achieving widespread media coverage and policy change.
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- Evolutionary Psychologist
Roland is a corporate finance professional with many years experience working with government on the procurement of new roads, schools and hospitals and as employee of Eurotunnel during its financing and construction. He has run his own small company, taught at the Open University and London Business School and served as a Parish Councillor and a trustee of his employer's occupational pension scheme. He currently specialises in regulatory economics.
Roland is a passionate supporter of humanism as a movement, as a way of thinking and a way of living. His hobbies include writing, programming, gardening and weight training. He occasionally admits to playing not-very-edifying computer games.
Ruth spent much of her working life doing Operational Research (OR) - using scientific approaches to help organisations become more effective - in the public sector. This led to other senior management roles including pricing, strategy and change management.
She has been President of the OR Society and chair of its ‘Pro Bono OR' support service, and in 2016 received an OBE for Services to OR. From 2009 to 2014 she chaired Woman's Trust, a charity helping women affected by domestic violence reclaim their lives. She has been an atheist all her life, a SACRE member since 2010, and is an accredited Humanists UK school speaker.
Job Titles:
- Writer, Historian, Journalist, and Teacher
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- Evolutionary Biologist and Science Educator / See Details
Samira Ahmed is an award winning journalist and broadcaster with a special interest in the intersection of culture, politics, science and social change. She presents Front Row on Radio 4 and Newswatch on BBC One and writes a column in New Humanist magazine.
She previously presented Channel 4 News and the BBC One ethics discussion show Sunday Morning Live. Samira is a trustee of the Centre for Women's Justice and on the advisory board of the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, Historic England's blue plaques panel, and the editorial review board of Doctor Who Magazine.
She is an honorary fellow of St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford.
Job Titles:
- Actor, Writer, and Comedian
Job Titles:
- Head of Education and Promotion )
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- Professor of Food, Climate, and Society
Job Titles:
- Comedian, Author, and Vice President of Humanists UK / See Details
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- Green Party Member of the London Assembly, and Author
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- Director of Humanist Care )
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- Music Journalist, Writer, and DJ
Sophy has a science degree, and an early career producing science and medical programmes for BBC TV. She moved into the business world as an HR consultant, and then a leadership coach helping organisations develop and implement sound strategies.
Over the last 20 years Sophy has been involved in voluntary work: chair of two education charities in London and the New Forest, a business governor of a Further Education College, and currently on the board of New Forest Business Partnership. She is a mentor to entrepreneurs through a government-backed mentoring scheme, and is involved in various public sector panels, reviewing funding applications for business grants to develop sustainable businesses.
In her spare time she sings in a chamber choir, plays the piano, and is a keen walker and cyclist.
Job Titles:
- Critic, Feature Writer, and Novelist
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- Actor, Comedian, Writer, and Presenter
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- Celebrant Network Support Coordinator
Stewart is a Wedding, Funeral and Naming Celebrant and was honoured to conduct the first legal Humanist wedding here after the legislation changed in 2018. He lives in Newtownabbey with his wife and three children, runs regular pub quizzes and is a former series winner of Countdown!
Job Titles:
- Author, Journalist, and Broadcaster
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- International Lawyer and Author
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- Director of Community Services
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- Musician, Actor, Comedian, and Writer / See Details
Job Titles:
- Comedian, Writer, Musician and Philanthropist / See Details
Kathy leads Humanists UK's work in Wales as Coordinator of Wales Humanists, the section bringing together all of Humanists UK's members and supporters in Wales. She came to Humanists UK after a successful career in business consulting and communications.
As well as representing Wales Humanists to senior stakeholders in the Welsh Government, Kathy works alongside a large volunteer team to ensure that the voice of humanists in Wales is fully represented in public policy discussions, Senedd debates, and in the media, and works to expand the availability of humanist ceremonies, pastoral support, and resources for teachers in Wales.
Job Titles:
- Entertainment Producer and Writer
Job Titles:
- Science Communicator and Environmentalist / See Details
Job Titles:
- Writer, Journalist, and Best - Selling Blogger