Professor James Raven
Chair
In 2020 we welcome our newly appointed Chair, Professor James Raven.
James Scruby
Honorary Treasurer
As well as his role as Honorary Treasurer, James is involved with the ESU’s charitable activities at branch and regional level as an organiser of the ESU-Churchill National Public Speaking Competition for Schools.
Derek Morgan OBE, DL, CCMI
Deputy Chairman
Derek has been a member of the English-Speaking Union for 11 years. Together with a team of highly committed colleagues he has grown the South Wales branch from 18 to 380 members.
Rod Chamberlain
Governor
An alumnus of the ESU, Rod has served on the Board of Governors since 2009.
Barbara Firth
Governor
Barbara’s particular passion is to ensure that more able children and young people have the provision and opportunities to achieve their very best whatever their background or circumstances.
David Shaw
Governor
David was awarded an OBE in 2014 for services to the retail industry and charitable work.
Anikka Weerasinghe
Governor
Anikka joined the ESU in 2015 and is a communications strategist with extensive experience in media relations, corporate communications and reputational management.
Jonathan Sobczyk-Boddington
Governor
Jonny is equally passionate about enterprise and education, and is committed to improving the life chances of the young people he works with.
Alex Just
Governor
As an alumnus of the English-Speaking Union, Alex joined the Board of Governors to help steer the future direction of debating.
Lady Susan Inkin
Governor
Susan is a Member of South Wales Region of the ESU, and has been part of the committee that has overseen its growth to become the second largest after London.
Emma Gleave
Governor
Newly appointed in 2020. A solicitor and successful businesswoman, Emma hopes to bring the skills she has acquired during her long professional career to the ESU.
James Probert
Governor
Newly appointed in 2020. James’s involvement with the ESU began through the public speaking competition and his local branch; he was named ‘Young Member of the Year’ in 1997.
Bilal Mahmood
Governor
Newly appointed in 2020. As an alumnus himself, Bilal has seen the benefits of the ESU’s programmes, and has contributed to their development for over 20 years.
Matthew Congreve
Governor
Newly appointed in 2020. Biography to follow shortly.
Gillian Day
Governor
Newly appointed in 2020. A successful financial advisor, Gillian is keen to extend the ESU’s international reach and development network.
Registered charity number: 273136