Trustees

Our trustees meet together quarterly and oversee the running of The Philosophy Foundation. They have regular updates from the Senior Leadership Team and each meet the team for specific actions in their areas of expertise.

Become a Trustee with The Philosophy Foundation

The Philosophy Foundation is looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

About The Philosophy Foundation

The Philosophy Foundation (TPF) is a charitable organisation dedicated to advancing philosophical education and practice, with a mission to bring understanding, wisdom, and flourishing to the heart of education. We work with children and adults, providing tools for critical thinking, metacognition (learning to learn), and perspective through philosophical enquiry. Our work improves educational outcomes, enhances communication skills, and fosters a better understanding of the world and oneself.

Our Work

Philosophy in Schools: Our accredited specialists deliver our curriculum in schools, including areas of disadvantage, hospital schools, and faith schools.
Young Philosophers: An online afterschool program engaging diverse groups of young people.
Prisons: Engaging those with low literacy in accessible educational activities.
Community Programs: Philosophical enquiry sessions in various community settings, including our 'Think & Drink' sessions for adults to foster critical thinking and community engagement.

The Role of a Trustee

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of The Philosophy Foundation. Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Board and CEO to develop and implement strategic plans.
Governance: Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Financial Oversight: Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting.
Operational Management: Ensure efficient and effective operations aligned with TPF's mission.
Programme Development: Oversee and support TPF's programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Fundraising and Financial Development: Support fundraising activities, including grant applications and donor relations.
Profile Raising and Reputation Management: Represent TPF at public events and conferences.
HR and Team Management: Support the development of staff, promote an inclusive work environment, and oversee HR policies.

Time Commitment

The role requires a commitment of 5-10 hours per month. Quarterly board meetings are held on the last Tuesday of August, November, February, and May. Meetings are currently online, but you should be available to attend one in-person meeting per year in London.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Marketing
IT
Human Resources
Volunteer Management
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

The Philosophy Foundation is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all our practices. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all trustees feel valued and respected.

Why Join Us?

Joining TPF as a Trustee provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a respected charity making a significant impact in education and the community. You will work with a dedicated team committed to philosophical education and help shape the future of our organisation.

Application Process

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to steve@philosophy-foundation.org

For more information about becoming a trustee, please visit The Essential Trustee Guide.

For more information about The Philosophy Foundation and the Trustee role, please visit our website at www.philosophy-foundation.org

Interested in making a meaningful impact? Contact steve@philosophy-foundaiton.org

Rebecca Atkinson-Lord

Rebecca Atkinson-Lord - Chair of Board of Trustrees

We're thrilled to welcome Rebecca as TPF's new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Rebecca Atkinson-Lord is a senior cultural leader with a wealth of experience in the strategic development of third sector organisations.

She read Ancient History and Classics at Bristol University, before training as a theatre director at RADA and with the Royal Opera House and Young Vic. In 2008 she founded Arch 468, a theatre production and development hub dedicated to driving sectoral change in the theatre industry and from 2010 – 2016 she was Director of Theatre at Ovalhouse (now Brixton House). In 2021 was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Executive at An Tobar and Mull Theatre, a multi-artform creative hub on the Hebridean island of Mull.
Rebecca is also an experienced teacher, speaker and mentor and has taught at several of the UK’s leading drama schools and universities including RADA, Mountview, Arts Educational Schools, Oxford School of Drama, East 15, Birmingham School of Acting, Kings College London, London South Bank University and the University of Birmingham.

She is the Creative Scotland Clore Fellow 2023/4.

Stewart Edginton

Stewart has worked in the financial services sector for over 25 years, starting life as an accountant with PwC before moving into wealth management across a number of firms including Merrill Lynch, Julius Baer and JPMorgan. Stewart is experienced in working with Charity and Foundations boards with regard to financial planning & wealth management. He has a passion for promoting opportunity and development in children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Kathryn Finch

Kathryn is a practicing lawyer who fell in love with philosophy whilst studying law with French law at Oxford and in Paris. After qualifying and working in both London and Paris, she decided to dedicate a year to getting her master's in philosophy from Kings College London. She has always believed in the importance of philosophy and critical thinking and is committed, both personally and professionally, to supporting their teaching to people from all backgrounds. She divides her working life between working as legal counsel for a prominent Fintech start-up and her own business through which she provides equality, diversity and inclusion education.

Kevin McArevey

Kevin has been in the field of education for thirty years with 25 of those years spent in Holy Cross Boys’. He has been the principal of the school for 9 years and that is when he found The Philosophy Foundation. All his staff were trained with TPF and they have embedded, permeated and infused philosophy into their curriculum where they stand by the philosophy - dare to think differently! The great practice of HCB and the strategies of TPF can be seen in their movie, ‘Young Plato!’.

Keerti Rajan - Chair

Keerti was tricked into reading philosophy by a cunning secondary school teacher – in whose debt Keerti will forever be. The solace and guidance of philosophy has carried Keerti through academic work, family life, and life in general. He is committed to encouraging especially young people to think critically with confidence and mutual respect. The ethos of philosophical enquiry is at least as important as its modes of argument. Keerti lives in southeast London with his wife and two sons. He is currently a Consulting Director in S&P Global’s Economics & Country Risk team.

John Skelton

John is Head of Product and Engineering at Exterion Media. John supported The Philosophy Foundation originally through Business in the Community, and became fully engaged with TPF by helping to bring philosophy to the wider public, and recognising its use within Business. He brings expertise in Business Management - including strategy, operations, HR and finance - and Marketing to the Board.

Cathy Tupman (Treasurer)

Cathy is Department Manager at Imperial College London, where she works closely with leading academics, colleagues and a variety of funding bodies to identify potential funding streams and advise on research grant applications, costings and reports. She maintains budgetary discipline for a range of accounts, and it is this extensive experience in financial management and reporting that Cathy brings to the Board. Cathy is passionate about supporting the development of future generations and firmly believes that the creative and critical thinking nurtured through philosophy is crucial in enabling us all better to understand and meet the challenges we face, both current and future.