Our people

Lucy Townsend joined us in July 2024. Lucy has a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bath and previously worked as an Outreach Ambassador at the University of Bath.

Luke Francis joined us in January 2018. Luke has a degree in History from Loughborough University. Previously, he worked as a tutor for Explore Learning and was our Centre Leader in Hackney Downs.

Lydia Galbraith joined us in July 2023. Lydia studied English at University of Ulster and previously worked as a SEND Teaching Assistant.

Lydia Salter​ joined us in August 2017. Lydia has a degree in History from the University of Bristol, with a Masters in International Relations from the University of Bath. Previously she worked in Widening Participation roles within the University of Bath and was Centre Leader at IntoUniversity Oxford South East and Regional Operations Manager of our West Midlands and Oxford centres.

Madeeha Aziz joined us in July 2024. Madeeha has a degree in Youth Work and Communities from Birmingham City University, where she was also an Academic Mentor and Mental Health Researcher. Madeeha has worked in several charitable organisations, including the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation and the Springfield Project.

Mai Muschamp joins us in January 2025 as an Education Worker in London. Mai has an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Manchester. Mai has previously volunteered for the Father Ray Foundation as an English teacher. She have also worked in the hospitality sector and as a freelance digital content creator.

Mairead Pentland joined us in April 2024. Mairead has a degree in Social Sciences (Politics and Sociology) from the University of Manchester. Previously, she worked as a Primary Teaching Assistant and volunteered as an Mentor with ReachOut.

Marcus Sewell joins us in January 2025 as an Education Worker in Gateshead/Newcastle. Marcus has an undergraduate degree in International relations and Politics from the University of Northumbria (Newcastle). He has previously worked as a sports coach at Magpie Sports and Corbridge Cricket Club.

Marcus Watkins joined us in August 2022. Marcus has a degree in Biology, a Masters in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement and a PGCE from the University of Exeter.

Margaret Spiers joined us in December 2024 as our Head of People and Culture. Margaret has a degree in Theology from the University of Southampton and a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management from the University of East London. Margaret has over 25 years experience of working in human resources and development roles across a number of charities, and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Maria Atter joined us in October 2022. Maria studied Social Sciences, on the Politics pathway, at the University of Manchester. Previously, she worked as a Programme Support Executive at Bookmark Reading Charity, a literacy charity supporting Primary school aged children and as an intern at Human Appeal, an international development and relief charity, supporting their volunteering team.

Martha Galsworthy joins us in July 2024. Martha has an undergraduate degree in Classics from the University of Oxford, where she was a Student Ambassador. They have also previously worked in retail and volunteered with Girlguiding North West.