Our team

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”. 

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

‘The strength of the Trust is its simple yet effective delivery model, that can be delivered at scale and make a real difference to the lives of the nation’s young people. In most walks of life, the ability to speak and be heard can make all the difference – whether applying for and thriving in a job, campaigning about a local issue or simply being able to express what you think and what matters to you.’

Louise has been a teacher for over 20 years in London and beyond, and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of a multi-academy trust of 13 schools in Surrey. Her passion for teaching and education came from the incredible teachers she had in her life, which inspired her to want to have a similar impact for others. 

Piers is the Managing Director at Project Everyone, a not for profit founded by Richard Curtis, which works closely with the United Nations and a host of cross-sector partners to promote the Sustainable Development Goals.

Prior to this, he was part of the core management team of BBC Radio 1 during one of the most exciting and ground breaking periods in its history, where he launched Radio 1’s channel in the iPlayer, the Live Lounge album and a range of award winning documentaries and social action campaigns.

“The ability to speak up, express yourself and advocate for what is right is an essential life skill, helping you progress at school, in the work place and in your community.

The ability to listen and widen our understanding of other people’s perspective, is essential to creating a less divided society.

All young people, regardless of background, should be given the opportunity to develop these skills, and I am honoured to be joining the team at Speakers Trust to help accelerate this work.”

Jav specialises in public affairs and policy in higher education. As a trusted adviser to executive teams at leading universities, Jav works closely with vice-chancellors and CEOs on strategic and policy issues.

As Associate Director, Policy and Advocacy at University of the Arts London (UAL), she heads up the team that lead on the university’s engagement with politicians and civil servants as well as the wider creative industries and higher education communities.

Prior to joining UAL, Jav was Senior Policy Advisor at Coventry University. And before moving into the higher education sector, worked for a number of charities leading their public affairs activity. Jav started her career working for a former Minister in the Coalition Government and holds a degree in History from the LSE.

“Now more than ever, in a time of constant communication, it’s vital that we can find our voices, share our stories, and shape our future. The work that the Speakers Trust does to support the next generation in this mission is impressive and important and I am delighted to be supporting their work.”

Al Read has more than 20 years’ experience as a technology leader in education, most recently as Chief Digital Officer at the National Foundation for Educational Research, and has served as a School Governor for 8 years.  He is passionate about increasing inclusion, access to opportunity and social mobility through education, and helping learners to learn and teachers and institutions to engage, teach and assess more effectively using technology.

“Having the confidence to speak up and the ability to do so effectively is vitally important in leading a fulfilled life, and creating a healthy and  inclusive society. Yet these skills are under-emphasised in our curricula, and often not taught in our schools.  The Speakers Trust’s programmes provide young people from all backgrounds with the opportunity to learn how to talk, empowering them to tell their stories, to speak and be heard.  I am delighted to be supporting the Speakers Trust in their mission to close this gap in schools, and amplify the voices of young people.”

Harmony Wright representing Gumley House RC Convent School, FCJ, became the Regional Champion for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Hounslow Final in 2022-23. She now joins us as an Ambassador for 2024-25.

Our Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge alumni ambassador programme is generously funded by our partner the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Emma was the Islington Regional Champion and Grand Finalist of 2022-23, with her speech on the urgency of talking about and acting on climate change. She joins the Alumni Ambassador team for 2024-25.

Asher was our 2022-23 Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Brent Finalist and joined our youth ambassador board for this year.

Manahil was a Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge 2022-23 Redbridge Regional Champion. She has joined the team as an Alumni ambassador this year to offer her insight into the Speak Out experience.

Ethan was the Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge 2022-23 Grand Champion with a speech about confidence and self-identity. They have joined the team as an Alumni ambassador this year.