Dr Kathryn Wright, Chief Executive

Favourite book:
I love the novels of Ken Follett, in particular his Kingsbridge Series. I read The Pillars of the Earth many years ago, but re-read it again during the Covid Lockdown alongside the others in the series. I particularly enjoyed the prequel – The Evening and the Morning – the sense of place and authentic characters he creates are quite astonishing.

Signature dish:
When I chatted about this with my family they all said ‘but you never make anything more than once’! It is true I do like to experiment. However, it was generally agreed that I make a rather epic macaroni cheese and awesome Christmas cake.

Spare time:
I’m a keen walker. I’ve completed a couple of Ultra Challenge Walks which have been great fun, and plan to do more. I also love playing the piano and listening to music, planning holidays and cooking.

Best thing about working for Culham St Gabriel’s:
Each day is different, and I love this! As Chief Executive there are two main elements to my work – overseeing the operations of the Trust and being its ambassador within and beyond the religion and worldviews community. Developing strategy, bringing people together and telling everyone about the importance of religion and worldview literacy are what I enjoy most.

Kathryn can be contacted at ceo@cstg.org.uk

Fiona Moss, Education and Programmes Manager

Favourite book:
Well that is a tall order. I love reading and last year the book group that I belong to celebrated our 20 year anniversary. We voted for our favourite book that we had read over our 2 decades together and we almost all agreed it had been ‘A Fine Balance’ by Rohinton Mistry, a book set in the 1970’s that follows four different characters in India who end up living together during the state of emergency. I love books that teach about different places, cultures, religions and worldviews; choosing one is probably impossible but this is one that has stayed with me over many years. If we chat do ask me which is my current favourite.

Signature dish:
Probably the Vegetarian Chilli that I batch cook and is always in the freezer served with cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole and cheese bread. I also love shellfish but don’t really cook it as I worry about giving food poisoning to people. I often order it if we eat out.

Spare time:
Swimming anywhere outdoors, most often in a lake or a lido and I am one of those hardy folks who does it all year round in a swimsuit. I also love being away in our campervan, waterskiing and holidays with friends. For slightly more cerebral pastimes I love theatre, reading and being on my local primary school governing body.

Best thing about working for Culham St Gabriel’s:
I love helping people develop in their career journey with our subject and also how Culham St Gabriel’s are able to support different organisations to work together for the improvement of religious education and a better understanding of religion and worldviews.

Fiona can be contacted on fiona@cstg.org.uk

Julia Minnear, Grants, Governance and Partnerships Manager

Favourite book:
I love reading so I’m not sure if I can choose just one! If I had to narrow it down to a genre it would probably be non-fiction, related to nature and human nature, with some philosophy, religion or psychology mixed in.

Signature dish:
I’ve been vegetarian since I was 16, so probably a chickpea and vegetable curry because I must have made hundreds of them over the years. My signature breakfast dish would be banana porridge with dark chocolate melted into it.

Spare time:
I’ve recently moved to a new area so I’m doing up my flat and studying for a diploma in coaching, which are both keeping me busy. Apart from that, I love writing, drawing and painting, and especially nature journaling. I also love camping, cycling, kayaking and generally being outside exploring. I try to keep a daily yoga and meditation practice. Now I’m a bit older I seem to get a strange pleasure from being organised, planning and making lists!

Best thing about working for Culham St Gabriel’s:
Culham St Gabriel’s vision encapsulates so much of what I think is important in the world today. Working in the world of religious education is also wonderful opportunity to deepen my own understanding of different faiths and worldviews.

Julia can be contacted at julia@cstg.org.uk

Tracey Francis, Digital Operations Manager

Favourite book:
If you measure your favourite book by how well read it is then mine is definitely Delia Smith’s Complete Cookery Course: A new edition for the 1990s. It’s battered, stained and falling apart but still very much in use.

Signature dish:
If I were to answer this I would say bread. Homemade bread is pretty much a constant in our house. My son disagrees and says that it’s my lasagne. Given a choice that’s always what he asks for.

Spare time:
I love being outdoors, spending time cycling, walking, gardening or just sitting reading a book.

Best thing about working for Culham St Gabriel’s:
The passion of everyone in the organisation for the work we do.

Tracey can be contacted at tracey@cstg.org.uk

Hannah Jackson, Communications Officer

Favourite book:
There’s far too many to choose from, but Khaled Hosseini’s novels, and particularly A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Mountains Echoed definitely deserve a mention! I enjoy stories which allow me to experience the world from someone else’s perspective. I also love anything horror related. Stephen King is another of my favourite authors.

Signature dish:
That’s a tricky one! Several years ago, I’d have probably said a traditional roast dinner, but since I’ve moved in with my lovely partner (who is vegetarian), I’ve had to become much better at cooking vegetarian dishes! My current favourite is vegetarian lasagne.

Spare time:
Outside of work, you’ll probably find me out in nature – one of my favourite places to be is on a hike! I also love creative writing and reading and have been an avid theatre goer since I was very small. Musicals are my favourite.

Best thing about working at Culham St Gabriels:
I studied Religion and Politics at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, which not only deepened my understanding of the intricate relationship between faith and culture, but also sparked a genuine – and I believe lifelong – passion for the subject. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a role where I can share that passion with others.
In today’s increasingly diverse and interconnected world, cultivating an understanding of religion and worldviews has arguably never been so important. It’s fantastic to contribute to the mission of Culham St Gabriel’s in such a supportive, creative environment.

Liz Smith, Finance and Administration Officer

Favourite book:
How can I choose just one book? Impossible! I’m going to say Clear Waters Rising by Nicholas Crane, only because I’ve recently treated myself to a hardback copy to replace my paperback which disintegrated after many re-readings. I first read this book more than thirty years ago and was enchanted.

Signature dish:
I’m notorious for using up leftovers in creative ways. My family would probably say my signature dish is scary stew, scary because anything could be lurking beneath the surface! I think my signature dish is fried rice, we eat this at least once a month. It’s quick, easy, and great for using up leftovers.

Spare time:
I adore walking and being outside in nature. I’m a volunteer livestock checker for my local wildlife trust. I help monitor and safeguard the welfare of their wilder grazing herds on nature reserves. I spend a lot of time counting sheep! I love a citizen science project and try to do several a year. Recently I’ve helped survey nightingale populations and map sweet chestnut trees. Apart from that, I enjoy learning British Sign Language, spending time with family and friends, archaeology, pilates, and reading.

Best thing about working for Culham St Gabriel’s:
It’s difficult to choose just one thing. It is a joy to work in such a welcoming and supportive environment and to feel that I am contributing to Culham St Gabriel’s values, mission, and vision.

Liz can be contacted at liz@cstg.org.uk

Josh Cass, Lead Consultant: Advocacy

Advocating for an education in Religion and Worldviews is central to Culham St Gabriel’s strategy. Engaging with questions of religion and belief have been central to my work for nearly twenty years. During that time, I have developed many projects intended to bring different people and communities together to explore ideas which matter to them.

I work  part time for one of the UK’s leading interfaith organisations, the Faith & Belief Forum, and prior to that I have worked with organisations including Fodip (the Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine), the Encompass Trust and St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. I am also a founding member of the Forum for Religion and International Affairs and have provided consultative support for organisations including: the British Council, Cumberland Lodge, UNAOC and OSCE/ODIHR.

I am thrilled to be working with Culham St Gabriel’s, an organisation I have known for many years, and whose commitment to the promotion of the understanding of religion and worldviews is something which I share and am passionate about.

Dr Linda Whitworth, Chair of Trustees

After 14 years teaching Religious Education in secondary and primary settings, I lectured in initial teacher education for 25 years, preparing students for primary and secondary teaching careers. Following retirement, I am currently a Visiting Lecturer in Education at Middlesex University. My personal and research interests are the professional development of primary teachers in teaching Religion and Worldviews and the role of RW in inclusive practice in schools. In addition to being Chair of Trustees for the Culham St. Gabriel Trust, I am a member of AULRE and NATRE and co-editor of Professional Reflection, which is part of RE Today, a NATRE publication. I am also an Associate Consultant in Primary Religious Education for the National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers, (NASBTT).

Nansi Ellis, Chair of Grants and Education Committee

I am a freelance policy consultant providing advice and support on policy development, campaigns and public relations to education organisations and unions. I started my career as a primary teacher with RE as my specialism, teaching in both English and Welsh. I then moved into policy development, first at the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA) and the Qualifications and Curriculum Agency (QCA) and then in the unions. I was primary education adviser and head of policy at ATL the education union and, most recently, Assistant General Secretary for Education Policy and Research at the National Education Union. I led the development of policy on curriculum, assessment, accountability and professionalism, working with members and stakeholders, including government, to influence change.

Susie Al-Qassab, Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee

I am a specialist employment lawyer working at a boutique firm called Bellevue Law in South West London. I advise and represent employees and employers on a wide range of employment issues and disputes, including religion and belief discrimination. I have 20 years’ experience in private practice, most recently as a Partner and Head of Department at social justice firm Hodge Jones & Allen. Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a marketer at Procter & Gamble in Geneva. My father, John Keast, was involved with the Trust and religious education for many years, and, like him, I strongly believe that everyone, particularly young people, would and should benefit from a broad, critical and reflective religion and worldviews education. In my spare time I love music festivals and coaching rugby at my local club Ironsides.

Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde

As the Schools Project Lead for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reconciliation Ministry, I am passionate about bringing unique perspectives and insights into different religious and non-religious beliefs, and worldviews. I am committed to supportively challenging preconceived ideas in order to foster greater interfaith and intercultural understanding in schools. I have over 15 years’ experience in education, including senior leadership roles, across the U.K., West Africa, and South America. With my passion for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in RE, I help to create inclusive learning environments that empower leaders, teachers and students from all backgrounds to flourish. Through my work, I strive to break down barriers by promoting understanding, respect, and empathy for all, resulting in a safe and welcoming space where students can explore their own beliefs and learn about others. I am delighted to be a Trustee of Culham St Gabriel’s.

Gwynn Bassan

I joined the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education in September 2023 as Education Adviser. I provide support to schools across six London boroughs and lead the NPQ programmes (teaching on the NPQSL and NPQH) as a delivery partner for the Church of England’s foundation for Educational Leadership. Prior to my current role, I was a Director of Education for a large, successful Multi-Academy Trust and have 20 years’ experience in Senior Leadership positions, including roles in Headship and Executive Headship. I am proud of my mixed Punjabi and Welsh heritage, and value being raised in a multi-cultural family where I have been immersed in both the Anglican and Sikh faiths.

Revd Mark Bennet

I trained as a Chartered Accountant before becoming a Parish Priest, in which role I have served in large parishes with many and varied schools. I was on the Diocesan Board of Education in Chelmsford Diocese and have more recently served nine years on the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education. Locally, in my parish in Thatcham, I am a foundation governor of our local church primary school – Thatcham Park School, and have also chaired the Directors of the Kennet School Academies Trust – a MAT which has grown out of our local, non-church secondary school. I care that pupils in all our schools come to understand the faith context of the world in which they are living and also know something of how a faith component contributes to human identity, but I have become a trustee mainly to contribute from my financial background.

Professor Robert Bowie

I began my career in education as a teacher of English as a foreign language first in Istanbul and then in Japan, before training to teach RE and then working in two Catholic schools in Kent, latterly as Head of RE. While teaching I began writing textbooks and worked on a range of RE websites for the BBC, the Guardian and for RE:ONLINE. Moving to university work, I led the secondary teacher education courses for secondary RE, and completed a doctorate in Dignity and Human Rights Education. In the RE World I became Chair of AULRE, an association for tutors and lecturers in RE. I moved into primary research and now lead NICER, an educational research centre at Canterbury Christ Church University. I teach ethics and supervise doctorates in various aspects of Christian education and Church schooling. I like walking, trying to grow vegetables and also find meaning through a Christian worldview.

James Cowen

I work as a Senior Fund Manager and Managing Director at a global investment management company where I invest institutional client capital in real estate, equity and fixed income investments. My career in finance spans three decades and includes time working in management consulting and corporate finance. I am also a member of a FTSE Russell External Index Advisory Committee representing the real estate investment industry. My involvement with Culham St Gabriel’s began in 2003 when I joined St Gabriel’s Trust as a Trustee.  I have been involved with the organisation for almost all of the period through to today. In particular, I am able to offer insight and oversight of the organisations’ portfolio of investments which has grown over many years to facilitate the work of the Trust.

The Revd Canon Nigel Genders CBE

As the Church of England’s Chief Education Officer I lead the work of the Church of England Education Office which serves the church’s ministry with children and young people in churches, schools, colleges and universities. The Church of England provides 4,700 schools educating over a million children. My role in education has developed throughout 28 years of ordained ministry working in a variety of roles, including: vicar, school chaplain, governor of a university, chair of governors in primary and secondary school, Director of Education, Head of School Policy for the Church of England and I have been Chief Education Officer since 2014.

Gillian Georgiou

Having begun as a researcher in Theology and Religious Studies, I trained as a secondary teacher of Religious Education and Philosophy and taught in a large secondary school in North London. For the past eight years, I have worked as the Diocesan RE Adviser for the Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education, supporting infant, junior, primary, secondary and special church and community schools across the region to deliver effective RE. I have published in various RE-related books, magazines and blogs, and have a particular interest in RE curriculum design and the different types of knowledge developed through the RE curriculum. I sit as a representative of Archbishops’ Council on the RE Council of England and Wales and I am part of the RE working group for the Church of England Education Office. I have been involved in a number of projects locally and nationally that seek to address the public perception of religious and non-religious worldviews, and I have worked as a mentor for the Culham Leadership Programme. I am a school governor and a Trustee of an alternative educational setting, and I feel hugely privileged to also be a Trustee of Culham St Gabriel’s.

Canon Dr Ann Holt OBE

I have been involved in various ways with Education throughout my professional life. Most recently I was the Diocesan Director of Education for the Diocese of Chichester as well as being a trustee of three Multi Academy Trusts. I continue to be a Trustee of Oasis Community Learning as well as being vice-chair of the Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust. I spent 11 years working as Director of Programmes for the Bible Society and headed up the first national training organisation for the training of school and college governors. In 2004 I was awarded an OBE for services to Education.

Paul Knappett

After becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2008, whilst working for a top ten accountancy firm, I have since held roles within both practice and industry sectors. My latest employed position was Finance Director of a medium sized catering company, which employed over 350 people across the country, overseeing the day-to-day finance function. I am currently a director of an accountancy firm based in Warwickshire, which specialises in providing services to fast growth, high value companies, including transactional compliance and financial risk management. Away from finance, I enjoy running long distances, keeping both the body and mind as healthy as possible.

Dr Richard Kueh

A former Senior Civil Servant, Richard was previously Deputy Director for Schools and Early Education at Ofsted. Within the inspectorate, his roles included Deputy Director for Research & Evaluation, Senior His Majesty’s Inspector, Specialist Adviser, HMI for teacher training and HMI national lead for his specialism, religious education.

Richard is Director of Strategy & Improvement for a multi-academy trust. He has worked in senior positions across various phases of education, including as director of a regional school improvement partnership, director of teacher training and development for a multi-academy trust, deputy headteacher of a secondary school, and associate headteacher of a primary school. He wrote his Cambridge doctorate in the field of philosophical hermeneutics, and continues to research and write about religious education.

Krystian McInnis

I am the incumbent Head of Religious Studies and inaugural Head of Christian Ethos at an inner-city London school. With over 10 years’ experience within the field of Religious Education, I am also an RE advisor and consultant working with a wide variety of educational institutions. Furthermore, with my personal research interest in Decolonising Religious Education, I am an academic researcher, supporting schools in providing a more inclusive Religious Education bringing this to life through a particular on language, imagery, and student voice.

Caroline Weir

After a decade teaching and leading RE in secondary schools in the North East of England, I moved into a part-time advisory role for the Church of England Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle supporting colleagues in primary, middle and secondary schools to provide brilliant RE for their children and young people. Alongside this I worked for Christian Aid, developing, launching and running the Global Neighbours accreditation scheme which is a global citizenship programme seeking to empower schools to develop their pupils as courageous advocates for change. As part of this role, I wrote the Courageous Advocacy resource for the National Society for Education. After leaving Christian Aid, I taught and led RE in a primary school in Northumberland alongside my advisory role. I now work full time as Diocesan RE Adviser, sit on the Religion & Worldviews working group for the National Society and serve on a number of North East SACREs as well as being adviser to Northumberland SACRE. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and playing rugby at my local club where I also serve on the executive committee.

Tony Wilson

Since 2019, I have been the Director of Education for The Diocese of Oxford overseeing 281 schools across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. I have extensive headship experience including providing intervention for schools in challenging circumstances as well as leading a school designated as outstanding. I have also led two different schools towards good.  During a four-year period, I gained international school improvement and system leadership experience from my role as Principal Education Consultant in The Kingdom of Bahrain.  During this time, I had demonstrable impact in the country’s standing in relation to the PISA and PRL tests.

Outside of my formal roles, I have extensive experience as a trainer and published author of school improvement manuals and was a member of a national education think-tank. In addition, my experience as an elected member of several local authorities has imbued me with a clear grasp of the machinery of government.