Our people

Penny Tysoe joined us in June 2025 and is our Chief Development Officer. Bringing over 19 years of leadership experience in fundraising, communications and strategic development within the charity sector, Penny leads the charity's fundraising and communications functions and is a member of the Senior Management Team, playing a key role to help lead the delivery of the charity's broader strategy and vision. Previously, Penny was Fundraising and Communications Director at EDT and Industrial Cadets. During her career Penny has held leadership roles in marketing, business development and programme delivery, including playing a key role in the national expansion of Industrial Cadets.

Phoebe Mumby joined us in September 2023. Phoebe has a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford. Previously, she volunteered at the charity ExVac, which began as a student-run charity at Exeter College.

Phoebe Spence joined us in July 2025. Phoebe has a degree in History from the University of Liverpool. She previously worked in charity fundrasing as a Trusts and Foundations Assistant and volunteered at IntoUniversity North Liverpool.

Piero Freestone joined us in September 2023. Piero has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Lincoln. Previously, he worked as a Sports and Summer Camp Coach at Premier Education.

Priya Chopra joined us in July 2023. Priya has a degree in Education and completed a PGCE at the University of Birmingham. She previously worked as a teacher.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah is President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester. Born and educated in Sri Lanka, he is a double Cambridge graduate and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bristol. Nishan has been appointed to a number of national roles including being a member of the UUK advisory group to tackle racial harassment in higher education.

Rachel Bailie joined us in July 2023. Rachel studied Law at the University of Bristol and completed a PGCE at the University of Durham. Rachel previously worked as a class teacher and House parent.

Dr Rachel Carr is the Chief Executive and co-founder of IntoUniversity. Rachel has over twenty years of experience working with children and young people in the voluntary sector. Rachel began devising the IntoUniversity programme in 2002 to address the barriers preventing young people facing disadvantage reaching their potential. Before setting up IntoUniversity, Rachel was a university lecturer and ran an English Literature Department for five years. She has a PhD in 19th Century English Literature.

Rachel Hough joined us in August 2024. Rachel has a degree in Primary Education (5-11) from York St John University. Previously, she spent two years working as a Primary supply teacher and a year as a Primary school supply Teaching Assistant.

Rachel Patterson joined us in July 2024. Rachel has a MA in Geography from the University of Edinburgh and completed her PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University. Previously, she worked as a Geography Teacher on the Teach First programme.

Raechel Kuik joined us in October 2023. Raechel has a degree in Criminology from the University of Bristol. Previously, she worked as a freelance tutor for Primary school children and A Level students.

Rayan Abdi joined us in July 2024. Rayan has a degree in Psychology from Nottingham Trent University. Previously, they worked as an Outreach Ambassador for the Centre for Student and Community Engagement at Nottingham Trent University.