Staff

Chief Executive - Fiona Booth

Communications
Virginia Gibbons - Head of Communications
Kate Egglestone - Communications and Events Coordinator

Citizenship Education
Michael Raftery - Director
Beccy Allen - Researcher and Project Manager

Digital Democracy
Dr Andy Williamson - Director
Beccy Allen - Researcher and Project Manager
Freddy Fallon - Researcher

Hansard Society Scotland
Emma Megaughin - Programmes Coordinator

Parliament and Government
Ruth Fox - Director
Matt Korris - Research Fellow
Diana Stirbu - Researcher

Study and Scholars
Professor the Lord Norton of Louth - Director of Studies
Lisa George - Director, Study and Scholars Programme
Ivanna Chakma - Study and Scholars Programme Coordinator
Dr Peter Catterall - Scholars Programme Lecturer
Dr Matthew Cole - Scholars Programme Lecturer
Dr Mette Jolly - Scholars Programme Lecturer

Visiting Fellows
Dr Hugh Bochel
Alex Brazier
Dr Sarah Childs
Professor Philip Cowley
Dr Stephen Ward

Finance and Office Management
Ruth Naftalin - Finance Director
Janelle Blake - Finance Assistant
Lisa Willsher - Office Manager and Assistant to the Chief Executive

Fiona - Chief Executive
Fiona is Chief Executive of the Hansard Society and has held this position since 2007. She oversees all output of the Society, is responsible for the 22 staff in London and Scotland and, along with the Council, develops the strategies and policies that guide the organisation in meeting its aims and objectives. She is also responsible for representing the organisation to external audiences and ensuring that the Hansard Society is promoted effectively amongst its primary stakeholders. Fiona is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Fiona has worked at the Hansard Society for four years and before becoming Chief Executive she was Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of the Citizenship Education Programme. Before joining the Hansard Society, Fiona was Head of the Education departments at Help the Aged and Quit, and also worked as an education welfare officer for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. She is a qualified primary and secondary school teacher and has previously worked in a number of London schools. Fiona has been involved in writing teaching support material for the Political and Social Education and Citizenship curriculums for the charities where she has worked. She has been a trustee of the Association for Citizenship Teaching and previously sat on several advisory boards including the then Department for Constitutional Affairs Education Information and Advice working group, the Democracy Coalition for Children and Young People, UNESCO's Associated Schools Project Network and the Citizenship Foundation's National Youth Parliament Competition Steering Group. Contact Fiona at f.booth@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

 

Communications

Virginia Gibbons - Head of Communications
Virginia is Communications Manager for the Hansard Society and is responsible for all communications functions, including media campaigns to promote the work of the Society. She is the Hansard Society's main point of contact for the media and also acts as Editor and Manager of Hansard Society publications. She has worked for the Hansard Society since 1999.

Virginia is a trained journalist and member of the National Union of Journalists and has over 20 years' experience working in politics and communication - including working at the Labour Party and the Commission for Racial Equality. She began her journalistic career with IPC Magazines. She studied History and Politics at the University of York. Contact Virginia at mediaprog@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Kate Egglestone - Communications and Events Coordinator

Kate is the Communications and Events Coordinator, managing events across each of the Hansard Society's programmes. In addition to this she works on promoting the Hansard Society and is responsible for the Hansard Society's membership programme. Kate coordinates the Hansard Society's publications, while also being responsible for digital communications, including the website and producing the Society's monthly e-newsletter.

Kate joins the Hansard Society from Unlock Democracy where she was Events Officer responsible for organising People & Politics Day. Prior to this she spent time at CSV as Policy, Communications and Research Intern. Kate graduated from the University of Leeds in 2005 with a degree in International Relations. Contact Kate at k.egglestone@hansard.lse.ac.uk

 

Citizenship Education

Michael Raftery - Director
Michael is the Director of the Citizenship Education programme and has worked at the Hansard Society since 2002. He is responsible for overseeing and developing the Society's work to engage young people in politics and the political process. He has a wide range of experience in producing educational resources including websites, CD Roms and printed materials, as well as running workshops involving young people and educators - domestically and internationally. He has authored and co-authored publications including the Hansard Society's Assembly Members In Schools resource pack and is a member of UNESCO's Associated Schools Project Network, sits on the British Institute for Human Rights In Schools Advisory Group and is a trustee of the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT).

Before joining the Hansard Society Michael worked for Cooperative Insurance Services and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History with English. Contact Michael at m.raftery@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Beccy Allen - Researcher and Project Manager
Beccy is Researcher and Project Manager for the Citizenship Education and eDemocracy programmes and has been at the Hansard Society since 2006, previously working in the role of Events and Communications Coordinator. She currently manages the HeadsUp website and carries out research on projects to engage the electorate with politics through new technology.

Before working for the Hansard Society, Beccy interned in Parliament with a Liberal Democrat MP where she wrote press releases and briefings, responded to constituents' concerns about policy and updated the website. Previous to this, Beccy worked evening shifts at the Liberal Democrat call centre and interned with the Social Market Foundation, a social policy think tank. She graduated from Sheffield University in 2005 with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in politics. Contact Beccy at r.allen@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Digital Democracy

Dr Andy Williamson - Director
Andy has led the Hansard Society’s Digital Democracy Programme since January 2008. He has an extensive background in research and consultancy relating to digital media and social policy, with a focus on digital engagement, digital inclusion and broadband. Andy holds a PhD from Monash University, Australia in which he developed a model for emergent eDemocracy in local government. Andy was previously Managing Director of a New Zealand-based research and consultancy company focussing on policy and strategy relating to information and communications technology and has been the inaugural Director of a research centre, where he headed projects in community informatics and ICT for development. Andy has held numerous public and private board positions, is the former Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Government's Digital Strategy Advisory Group and advisor to a number of governmental and parliamentary agencies. An internationally respected writer and presenter, Andy is well known as a thought leader on eDemocracy.

He is a Research Associate at the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute, AUT University and a Visiting Honorary Fellow in the Institute for Social Change at the University of Manchester. Andy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a Member of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Contact Andy at  A.Williamson@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Beccy Allen - Researcher and Project Manager
Beccy is Researcher and Project Manager for the Citizenship Education and Digital Democracy programmes and has been at the Hansard Society since 2006, previously working in the role of Events and Communications Coordinator. She currently manages the HeadsUp website and carries out research on projects to engage the electorate with politics through new technology.

Before working for the Hansard Society, Beccy interned in Parliament with a Liberal Democrat MP where she wrote press releases and briefings, responded to constituents' concerns about policy and updated the website. Previous to this, Beccy worked evening shifts at the Liberal Democrat call centre and interned with the Social Market Foundation, a social policy think tank. She graduated from Sheffield University in 2005 with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in politics. Contact Beccy at r.allen@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Freddy Fallon - Researcher
Freddy is a researcher for the Digital Democracy Programme, and has been with the Hansard Society since December 2009. He carries out research into citizen engagement with parliament and government, online campaigning and political communication, and issues of digital inclusion. Freddy graduated from the University of Sussex with a Bachelors in Politics and from University College London with a Masters in International Public Policy. As part of his postgraduate study, he conducted research into how citizen participation was brought about through the internet in the 2005 United Kingdom general election and the 2008 United States presidential election. Prior to joining the Hansard Society, he worked for an advertising agency managing client accounts and also interned here at the eDemocracy Programme. Contact Freddy at f.fallon@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Hansard Society Scotland

Emma Megaughin - Programmes Co-ordinator
Emma is the Programmes Co-ordinator for the Scotland Programme and has worked for the Hansard Society since late 2007. She is primarily responsible for coordinating the Hansard Research Scholars programme in Scotland, in association with the University of Edinburgh.  In addition she coordinates the production of Hansard Society educational resources for Scottish schools, and runs additional activities and projects that consider issues relating to the Scottish Parliament and the implications and lessons for other parts of UK parliamentary democracy.

Previously, Emma was an intern in the Hansard Society Scotland office during her third year at university, and again briefly after completing her degree, where she was responsible for researching and assisting with events. She also completed an internship at the Public Affairs Company in Leeds which involved research, parliamentary monitoring, preparing briefings and proposals for Select Committees, as well as business development. Emma graduated from Dundee University with a degree in Politics with International Relations (Hons) in 2007. Contact Emma at hansard.scotland@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

 

Parliament and Government

Ruth Fox - Director
Ruth joined the Hansard Society in December 2008 as Director of the Parliament and Government Programme. She is responsible for conducting and directing research into parliamentary scrutiny, legislative processes, representative democracy and constitutional reform.

Before joining the Society, Ruth worked for seven years for Bill Rammell MP focusing on strategic communications, research and community relations. She also acted as a political adviser and speechwriter during his time as a Foreign Office and Higher Education Minister and managed his 2001 and 2005 General Election campaigns. In 2004 she took a leave of absence to work for Senator John Kerry's Democratic Presidential campaign in Florida. She was awarded a PhD by the University of Leeds for her doctoral research on the electoral strategy and philosophy of the modern Liberal Party, 1970-1983. Contact Ruth on r.fox@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Matt Korris - Research Fellow
Matt is the Research Fellow for the Parliament and Government Programme and joined the Hansard Society at the beginning of 2008. He co-authored the Law in the Making study and his current work includes analysis of the legislative process and studying methods of engagement between Parliament, Government and the public.

Prior to joining the Hansard Society, Matt worked for three years as a Researcher/Parliamentary Assistant for a Labour MP and Select Committee Chair; managing the Westminster office, preparing newsletters, briefings and speaking notes. He has also worked for both the research and procurement teams at the Training and Development Agency for Schools. Matt graduated from Leeds University in 2005 with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Politics. Contact Matt at m.korris@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Diana Stirbu - Researcher
Diana is the Researcher for the Parliament and Government Programme and joined the Hansard Society at the beginning of June 2009. Her current work includes comparative analysis of public engagement in parliamentary democracies around the world.

Prior to joining the Hansard Society, Diana undertook a PhD at the University of Liverpool, where she researched on the impact of devolution on the constitutional process in Wales. With a keen interest in Welsh politics, gender studies, and constitutional design Diana also taught at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and undertook joint advisory and consultancy work for various public bodies, including the National Assembly for Wales, The Welsh Football Trust and the UK Sports Board. Contact Diana at d.stirbu@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

 

Study and Scholars

Professor the Lord Norton of Louth - Director of Studies
Lord Norton is Professor of Government at the University of Hull's Department of Politics and International Studies and Director of Studies for the Hansard Society Scholars programme. He was raised to the peerage in 1998 and sits on the Lords select committee on the European Union, chairs the Conservative Academic Group and is part of the Executive Committee of the Conservative History Group. He is Director of the Centre of Legislative Studies, a trustee of the History of Parliament Group and President of the Politics Association.

Lord Norton was Chair of the Lords select committee on the constitution from 2001 to 2004 and the Head of the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Hull from 2002 to 2007. He also chaired the Conservative Party's Commission to Strengthen Parliament in 2000 and has been involved with numerous political organisations such as the Study of Parliament Group, the Political Studies Association and the Economic and Social Research Council. Lord Norton has published an abundance of books, articles and papers throughout his career and is an expert on British politics, constitutional affairs, legislatures and the Conservative Party.

Lord Norton has been a member of the Hansard Society council since 1997 and became Director of Studies in 2002.

Lisa George - Director, Study and Scholars Programme
Lisa George is the Director of the Study and Scholars Programme (run in association with the London School of Economics) and is responsible for the marketing and development of the Society's range of political education and training programmes.  Lisa works closely with senior politicians, civil servants, journalists and other key political players to develop bespoke political training programmes within Parliament. She also oversees Hansard Society Scotland and is developing and expanding the Society's corporate sponsorship scheme.

Lisa joined the Hansard Society in June, 2009.  Prior to joining the Society, she spent many years working for one of the first study abroad programmes to provide political (and other) internships for North American students, first as London Programmes Director and later as European Programmes Director.  She has also worked for an NGO for which she organised political training programmes and provided in-house editorial support.  Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Speech Communications from the University of Virginia, USA.  Contact Lisa at l.george@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Ivanna Chakma - Study and Scholars Programme Coordinator
Ivanna is Study Coordinator and has worked for the Hansard Society since 2006. She is responsible for the preparation and organisation of the Hansard Society Scholars and Research Scholars study programme. In this role she organises trips, lectures and internships as well as dealing with the welfare of the scholars during their time in London.

Ivanna started her career working in local government. Previously she worked in the Mayor's Office in the Greater London Authority (GLA) and was involved in several high-profile mayoral initiatives. During her time at the GLA, she worked on the London 2012 Olympics project which included the London Summer of Sport initiative. Previous to working at the GLA, she studied History with Government at the London School of Economics and completed a postgraduate diploma in Law at BBP Law School in London. Contact Ivanna at i.chakma@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Dr Peter Catterall - Scholars Programme Lecturer
Lecturer in Democracy and Public Policy on the Hansard Research Scholars Programme. Peter has written extensively on British constitutional issues, party politics and the media. Apart from editing the journal National Identities, his current research interests range from the development and operation of British Cabinet committees to the role of the Leader of the Opposition in Westminster systems.

Dr Matthew Cole - Scholars Programme Lecturer
Lecturer in Parliament & Politics on the Hansard Scholars Programme. Matthew has also lectured in British politics at the University of Birmingham and at the Open University. He was awarded a PhD from the University of Birmingham for his doctoral research on the British Liberal Party 1945-1962. He has published in a wide range of political and academic books and journals, and is the author of Democracy in Britain (Edinburgh University Press, 2006).

Dr Mette Jolly - Scholars Programme Lecturer
Lecturer in Politics & Public Policy on the Hansard Scholars Programme. Mette was awarded a PhD from the University of Nottingham for research into democracy in the European Union. From 2000-2005, Mette taught at the University of Nottingham and she currently lectures on the Masters Programme at Birkbeck College London. She is the author of The European Union and the People, Oxford University Press, 2007.

 

Visiting Fellows

Dr Hugh Bochel
Hugh Bochel is Professor of Public Policy at the University of Lincoln. He has written and edited a number of books including Welfare Policy under New Labour and Making Policy in Theory and Practice.

Alex Brazier
Alex Brazier was Director of the Hansard Society's Parliament and Government Programme from 1999 until November 2008. He authored and co-authored a number of publications and articles including; Issues in Law Making, Parliament at the Apex, Parliamentary Scrutiny and Regulatory Bodies, Systematic Scrutiny, Reforming the Select Committees, Parliament and the Public Purse, Improving Financial Scrutiny, The Fiscal Maze; Law in the Making (co-authored with Susanna Kalitowski and Gemma Rosenblatt). 

Dr Sarah Childs
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics at Bristol University. Author of New Labour's Women MPs: women representing women; lead author - Women at the Top 2005: Changing Numbers, Changing Politics?

Professor Philip Cowley
Phil Cowley is Reader in Parliamentary Government at the University of Nottingham. Author of The Rebels and Revolts and Rebellions.

Dr Stephen Ward
Stephen Ward has been a Full Member of the Contemporary History & Politics Research Centre at Salford University From December 2003 to present. His main focus is on digital democracy and engagement.


Finance and Office Management

Ruth Naftalin - Finance Director
Ruth is Director of Finance at the Hansard Society and deals with planning, administration and the financial management of the organisation. This involves working with the management team to ensure viable planning for projects, and the preparation of various financial reports for management, trustees and for statutory purposes. She has worked for the Hansard Society since 2007.   

Before joining the Hansard Society, Ruth was Director of Central Services for the Federation of London Youth Clubs, from the year 2000. Her role included the reorganisation of the federation's accounting system and responsibility for Human Resources, secretarial, legal and IT functions. From 1991 she was Finance Manager for Penta Housing Limited and also worked as a self-employed accountant. Ruth is a keen volunteer; she currently sits on the Board of Barnet Community Homes, is Treasurer of Elders Voice in Brent and has previously been involved with school and youth groups.
Contact Ruth at r.naftalin@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Janelle Blake - Finance Assistant Contact Janelle at j.blake@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

Lisa Willsher - Office Manager and Assistant to the Chief Executive
Lisa is the Office Manager and Assistant to the Chief Executive, and has worked at the Hansard Society since 1999. She is responsible for Health and Safety, the maintenance of the office and ordering stock and supplies. She also assists the Chief Executive in administrative work including personnel matters, the payroll, arranging staff travel and accommodation and various financial matters.

Before joining the Hansard Society Lisa worked in the Finance Department of the Citizens Advice Bureaux for over 20 years. Contact Lisa at l.willsher@hansard.lse.ac.uk.

 

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