Facing History UK is delighted to welcome three new Trustees: Susan Whiddington CBE, Hiral Kelly, and Rudi Eliott Lockhart. Each brings a different set of skills and a deep commitment to education and social justice.
Susan Whiddington CBE
Susan Whiddington CBE, a long-standing supporter of Facing History since 2008, has been instrumental in her role as an Advisory Board member. As the Founding Director and Chief Executive of Go Live Theatre Projects, Susan has used theatre to educate and engage young people, fostering a sense of empowerment and social responsibility. Her leadership extends to her roles as the Chair of the Tri-borough Music Trust, a Trustee of the Lyric Hammersmith, and a Member of the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Culture and Heritage. Recognised with a CBE for Services to Young People and an Olivier Industry Recognition Award, Susan's contributions to arts and education are significant, making her a valuable asset to the Facing History UK Board.
"I’m thrilled to become a Trustee of Facing History & Ourselves. Having been connected to Facing History since 2008, it’s a charity very close to my heart. In today’s troubled world, I believe its mission and work is more important than ever. I look forward to being part of the charity’s growth and development over the next few years, engaging more teachers and empowering more young people to build a more just and equitable future for all."
Hiral Kelly
Hiral Kelly, with over 20 years of experience in Primary Education, brings a wealth of knowledge and practical skills. Her roles as Assistant Head, English Lead, Curriculum Lead, ECT Induction Tutor, CPD Lead, and Key Stage 2 Moderator have equipped her with a deep understanding of educational leadership and teacher training. Hiral holds an ILM Level 7 in Coaching and Mentoring, which she uses to coach senior school leaders and business managers, fostering leadership development and creating coaching cultures. Her passion for learning and research has led her school to become an English Knowledge Hub and a Diverse Curriculum Hub, aligning with Facing History's mission of challenging injustice and building empathy.
“I'm really excited to be part of Facing History. I believe in the power of education to confront injustice, build empathy, and inspire action. Our history shapes who we are, and I am looking forward to working with the charity to empower future generations to create a more compassionate society.”
Rudi Eliott Lockhart
Rudi Eliott Lockhart, the Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Association since 2020, brings a strong background in education and advocacy. His previous role as the Chief Executive of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales saw him campaign for high-quality religious education and promoting pluralism. Rudi is currently undertaking an oral history of Jewish pupils at independent schools in the 1960s and 1970s for his doctorate at UCL, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and addressing historical and contemporary issues of prejudice and racism. His experience in leading organisational change, ensuring financial security, and successful fundraising will be invaluable in supporting Facing History UK’s growth and impact.
“I’m excited to be joining as a trustee because I believe the work that Facing History does couldn’t be more important right now. I want to try to help make sure that the brilliant work that Facing History does supports as many young people as possible to develop into ethical, informed, and active citizens. There is so much work to be done and I’m looking forward to doing my bit to help.”
Together, these three Trustees bring a diverse range of expertise and a shared vision for creating a more just and equitable society through education. Their contributions will undoubtedly enhance Facing History UK's ability to empower young people and build a more informed and active citizenry.
