Our people

Jenny Katte joined us in August 2021 and is based between our Nottingham centres. Jenny has a joint honours in American Studies and English. Previously, she was a UniConnect Programme Outreach Officer at Next Steps South West and before this was a Writing Feedback Specialist at Studiosity.

Jessica Smith joined us in January 2020 and has a degree in English and Biblical Literature from The University of Sheffield. Jessica previously worked as a Community Logistics Manager for The Challenge.

Jessie Davis-Durham joined us in November 2022. Jessie has a degree in Sociology from the University of Sheffield. Previously, she has worked as an English Teacher in Hong Kong and as an Outreach Ambassador at the University of Sheffield.

Jess Webb joined us in August 2022. Jess has a degree in Religion and Theology from the University of Bristol and an Early Years PGCE from the University of Cambridge. Previously, she worked as a Teaching Assistant and as an Activity Instructor and Early Years Practitioner at a holiday camp.

Jess Wood joined us in July 2023. Jess studied Politics and International Relations at the University of Bath and previously worked as a Student Ambassador and a Widening Participation intern.

John Bleasdale is our Director of Development. John joined us in 2018 and has over 17 years of fundraising and grant making experience. He was previously Head of Trusts and Foundations at Teach First, and prior to that worked at the British Red Cross and the Big Lottery Fund.

Jonny Roberts joined us in May 2022. Jonny has a degree in Economics from the University of Essex and has previously been an Academic Support volunteer and mentor at our Bow centre.

Jordan Lee joined us in June 2023 and is our Fundraising Officer (Philanthropy). Jordan has a degree in Geography and a masters in Political Theory from The University of Sheffield. Previously, he worked for a philosophy journal and in music PR.

Joseph Corton joined us in January 2023. Joseph has a Joint Honors degree in Early Years & Education Studies degree from Nottingham Trent University. Previously, he worked as a Learning Support Professional in a Primary setting, with previous experience as a TA and Higher Level TA.

Josh Shapland joined us in August 2018. Josh has a degree in Early Years Education from University Centre Weston where he was a Student Ambassador. He has previously worked as an Early Years Practitioner.

Julian Granville is Chairman of Boden having been CEO from 1997 to 2017. He also chairs Monica Vinader and sits on the Advisory Panel of Piper Private Equity.

Kaftun Mohamed joins us in January 2022. Kaftun studied International Relations at Queen Mary University of London. Kaftun has previously worked as a Learning Support Assistant, supporting secondary school students in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.