Our People

Jemma Guerrier, Managing Director

Reader Story: Jemma moved from London to join The Reader (and return to her Merseyside roots) in 2016 after 12 years in the voluntary sector. Since joining The Reader, Jemma has worked alongside The Reader’s Founder Jane Davis on the evolving strategy for the organisation as it developed a national model for Shared Reading and opened The Reader at Calderstones. Jemma led the Development team and the Shared Reading programmes department and has been responsible for digital development and business planning. Before joining The Reader, Jemma worked in a range of leadership roles in the youth sector, including The Mix, the UK’s leading support service for young people, specialising in fundraising, strategy development and leading through change.

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: My favourite book is Little Women which remains as poignant to me now as it did when I was a teenager. The themes are universal, from friendship to family, gender to bereavement.

Why I work at The Reader: Because of what Shared Reading helps people create –deep connections, new perspectives and wonderful relationships. The ambition and dedication of our staff and volunteers inspires me, as does a hefty challenge and the constant reminder that I have so much literature to explore. We’ve also shown that by living our value ‘we make new patterns in the world’, we can find new ways to sustain and spread the Shared Reading movement, from The Storybarn to our social enterprises in Liverpool. I’m driven to lead The Reader to find a bigger place in the world because I believe our work is needed now more than ever. It’s a model that could be accessible to everyone, so we have lots more work to do to share it!

Katie Clark, Director of Literature

Reader Story: After volunteering with The Reader, Katie joined the staff team in 2006. Over the last 16 years she has worked in many areas of Shared Reading Practice. She was involved in The Reader’s pioneering work reading with people living with dementia and was a Reader in Residence for Mersey Care NHS Trust before moving to the Teaching and Learning team training others to be Reader Leaders and developing our work with children. She is responsible for ensuring that the creative vision and experience of Shared Reading remains at the root of all we do, driving our organisation forwards.

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: So hard to choose one, but if you could only pick one book, I’d have to say Middlemarch by George Eliot. It contains every emotion of life and is a book I always return to and discover new things each time.

Why I work at The Reader: I’ve always loved reading, but the first time I witnessed the spark in the eyes of a group member in a shared reading group as they recognised something in a line of a poem, I was hooked. I knew Shared Reading was powerful and I’ve spent most of my adult life working to develop my practice. I’m driven by a desire to see Shared Reading available to everyone and the opportunity to build connection in a world that needs it more than ever.

Tamzin Golding, Director of Development and Communications 

Reader Story: Tamzin joined The Reader in 2019, following a relocation from London to Liverpool the previous year.  Prior to this she had spent over 15 years working to secure funding for some of the capital’s major arts organisations including Hampstead Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and The Unicorn Theatre, the UK’s National Theatre for young people.  At The Reader, she leads on delivering income targets through commissioning, grants, donations and corporate support. 

 A book/poem/play I’d to share: Incredibly difficult to pick one but I think it would definitely be something by Edith Wharton – I first studied her work during my degree and fell in love with her way of writing and her ability to comment so astutely on what is was to exist within strict societal norms, whilst at the same time reflecting on the universal pursuit of human happiness. 

 Why I work at The Reader: When I moved I really wanted to diversify my experience and work for an organisation that was at the forefront of the conversation around arts and health.  I believe the work of The Reader is more important now than ever and I am committed to continuing to make the case for Shared Reading to be integrated into our health and social care services and to be available more widely as a vital tool to support mental health and wellbeing. 

Anton Clarke, Director of Social Enterprise 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: Candide by Voltaire. Literature highlights human emotion, regardless of technology, societal or environmental changes human emotions remain consistent. Loss, love, anger, revenge, control and redemption are rife throughout the narrative ark of  Candide, this novella marries an almost fairy tale style with relatable adventure that is as powerful today as when it was written 

Why I work at The Reader: Life is about finding purpose. Having worked many jobs in many sectors, I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to work at the The Reader back in 2014, Since then the work that we do as an organisation, both locally and further afield gives me the purpose and motivation to be my best self. 

Ginny Hopton, Director of Finance

Reader Story: Ginny joined The Reader in 2019, having previously held a range of senior financial and operational roles. Ginny is responsible for strategic financial management and leadership, supporting The Reader to plan for growth and fulfil its ambition whilst ensuring the accounting fundamentals are delivered. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas – a lyrically written “play for voices”, Under Milk Wood is a deeply moving, often comic examination of Welsh life. 

Why I work at The Reader: I can use my skills to make a difference, I am continually inspired and challenged, I can be my own person, and I work with wonderful people. 

Kara Orford, Associate Director of Programme Delivery

Reader Story: Kara worked as a strategic manager within public libraries for many years, across numerous Local Authorities in the UK, and some a little farther afield. Her motivation has always been to encourage and inspire communities to read for pleasure, especially those people that feel books and reading is not for them. Joining The Reader in 2018, Kara has worked to shape and deliver several key strands of our work with children and families, becoming Associate Director of Programme Delivery in 2024. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: A poem that I’d like to share is ‘Barter’ by Sara Teasdale. I first read ‘Barter’ in a Shared Reading group when I had only been at The Reader for a couple of months. At the time I was in the full throws of parenting a very ‘lively’ 3 year old and had a baby that didn’t sleep. The reminder that the world is full of loveliness in the seemingly ordinary seemed important at that time to acknowledge amongst the overwhelm. I took the poem home and I stuck it on my fridge. Its words of reassurance have soothed many a stressful or troubling time. The print out is looking rather dog eared now, but when I reach in for the milk, I find it incredibly grounding and remind myself that I need to try to make the most of those ‘white singing hours of peace.’ 

Why I work at The Reader: Working in public libraries for so long, I came across so many isolated members of the community, people coming into this very open, welcoming space, looking for that ‘something more’. As a Community Librarian, way back in 2011, I attended a Reader Stakeholder Event in North Wales and heard The Reader team speak so passionately about their movement and the difference that Shared Reading can make to people’s lives – I saw immediately the urgent need for this important work. We took part in a Shared Reading taster, and I essentially decided that day, that I wanted to be a part of this exciting work! 

Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital

Reader Story: Jen has worked in cultural spaces and charities since 2007 and been responsible for strategic marketing and communications for cutting edge digital arts exhibitions and cinema, open air cinema, the North’s biggest open air theatre, new and touring theatre productions as well as festivals celebrating literature, music, children and the talents of people living with a disability. Jen was part of the team who opened the multi-award winning £37m theatre, library, cinema and public space Storyhouse in Chester which received over 1 million visits in its first year. She joined The Reader team in 2023 and is responsible for raising the charity’s profile, growing its brand and leading on digital transformation. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: One that feels particularly special to me at the moment is ‘Reading to You’ by the incredible Hollie McNish. In this poem, Hollie shares how she’s had many great nights in her life but that the best of all were spent reading to her daughter at bedtime. Hollie was the poet in residence at Chester Literature Festival while I was there and this poem was put up onto the wall of the children’s library. It always struck me as such a beautiful ode to the intimate experience of parents and children cosying up and reading a story together and imagined what it might be like to do that with my own children one day. Now I have two sons, who are both captivated by books and this poem has taken on a whole new meaning. It reminds me that even when we’re all frazzled at the end of the day, that these nights are fleeting and it’s important to make the most of them while I can. 

Why I work at The Reader: I was aware of The Reader’s work from my days studying English at the University of Liverpool and had been following its growth and progress for some time. I also grew up locally and remember admiring the lovely Mansion House building as a child and wishing I could go inside – it was a council office building back then. As a regular visitor – and Shared Reading attendee – I knew it was an organisation I’d love to be a part of and already felt ambitions from afar of how The Reader could reach even more people with the power of literature. When the opportunity came up to join the team, it felt like the stars had aligned. 

Jane Davis

Reader Story: Jane launched The Reader as a magazine in 1997, developing Shared Reading around the same time, with the aim of opening up great literature to people who need it.

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: Depends who you are but almost everyone might enjoy The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban . Failing that – read Pastoralia by George Saunders or Adam Bede by George Eliot

Why I work at The Reader: Fewer than 1% of the population study English Literature at University…what a waste of ‘the good stuff’! I founded The Reader because I wanted to make it possible for all kinds of people to enjoy the experiences that great writers had provided for me.

Anita Marsland, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Reader

Reader Story: Anita is the former Chief Executive of NHS Knowsley and Chief Officer at Knowsley Council, a joint appointment between the Council and PCT. She was seconded to the Department of Health in 2010 to lead the Public Health Transition Team overseeing the transfer of the local Public Health function from the NHS into Local Government and the establishment of Public Health England. This followed a long and distinguished career in Social Work in the North West of England. Anita is retained by Public Health England as an adviser on Local Government matters, she is a Non Executive Director at Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust and Independent Chair of Sefton Health and Care Transformation Board. Anita was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to Health and Social Care and more recently an Honorary Membership of the Faculty of Public Heath in 2017. She is a Director of Unique Health Solutions (Health and Care management consultancy). 

A book/poem/play I would like to share: The Invisible Woman, Claire Tomalin. The story of Dickens relationship with Nelly Ternan – a fascinating and illuminating social history. Another suggestion would be The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah Poet Lyricist Writer Activist. 

Why are you involved with The Reader? I was introduced to the work of The Reader some years ago and was immediately inspired by both the ethos and ambition of the organisation. I promised myself that following retirement from full time work I would offer my services as a volunteer… and here I am. It is such a privilege to be Chair of The Board of Trustees at this amazing organisation. 

Phillip Davies, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Reader

Reader story: Phil Davies was the Labour Leader of Wirral Council from 2012 to 2019, having represented Birkenhead and Tranmere Ward since 1991. He’s a non-executive director at The Engineering College in Birkenhead and a trustee of Wirral Food Bank. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: Middlemarch by George Eliot. A powerful Victorian novel with a complex web of characters who display the best and worst of human nature. 

Why are you involved with The Reader: I really like the idea of using great literature to improve the lives of everyone, particularly people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. 

Pranav Sood

Reader story: Pranav is VP International Expansion at UK-based FinTech GoCardless. Pranav started his career at Bain & Company, where he led Bain’s Social Business Incubator. He is governor of a primary school in Islington. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: The Odyssey by Homer. The original adventure story and still the best. 

Why are you involved with The Reader: I’m a passionate believer in the impact that great literature can have on people’s lives. 

Dr Ruth Hussey CB OBE

Reader story: Ruth retired from her role as Chief Medical Officer for Wales in 2016, after starting out as a GP, becoming Director of Public Health in Liverpool, then working in Public Health in north West England and the Department of Health. Her current portfolio includes being a Non- Executive Director at Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Integrated Care Board as well as working on health inequalities and health policy through various Board and advisory roles. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono. It is an allegorical story about a shepherd’s long and successful effort to re-forest a desolate valley. 

Why are you involved with The Reader: The Reader’s work is a fantastic way of using literature to change lives for the better and I am delighted to support its efforts to improve health and wellbeing across the UK and beyond. 

Neil Atkinson

Reader Story: Neil Atkinson is CEO and host of the multimedia group The Anfield Wrap, the world’s leading supporter media organisation. He regularly appears on many networks including BBC, CNN, ITV, Sky, BT, Sirius XM and L’Equipe. He co-wrote and co-produced the feature film Native in 2014, has hosted live radio, co-written three books about football and joined The Reader’s Board of Trustees in 2021. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: The Act Of Love by Howard Jacobson for how it builds great literature on top of other great literature and does so with shocking intensity. 

Why are you involved with The Reader:  Much of my work with The Anfield Wrap has been taking enthusiastic volunteers and finding ways to raise their voices. The Reader, in a completely different but still fascinating to me sector, has done the same brilliantly and I want to be able to add support where I can and learn from its trials and tribulations. 

Dr Helen Willows

Reader story: I am a GP working both in Shropshire and in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Prior to studying medicine, I worked in the tobacco industry and in market research for the healthcare industry across Europe, and also worked for a pharmaceutical company in the UK. I am a Reader Leader in Shropshire and also support a group of around twenty TRO volunteers across Shropshire and into Wales and Cheshire. 

A book I’d like to share: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murukami. This book follows no rules, it challenges normal ways of thinking and behaving. 

Why involved with The Reader: Having moved into medicine from the tobacco industry I quickly realised that pills are not the answer for many patients. I heard Phil Jupitus talk about The Reader on Woman’s Hour and was inspired by the promises it offered. Having investigated in detail, I decreased my working hours in the practice and started my Reader journey. I am excited to be part of this incredible imaginative, inclusive and inspiring organisation, and feel honoured to now be a trustee. 

Pauline Hughes 

Reader story: Pauline is an executive coach, facilitator and communications expert who specialises in helping leaders in high pressure roles to adapt and thrive in today’s complex and uncertain business environment. Prior to her move into coaching, Pauline spent the majority of her career working in communications, and has led award-winning external affairs and communications divisions as Director of Communications for the charity Whizz-Kidz and Director of PR for the government organisation, Central Office of Information (COI). 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share:  Shuggie Bain – a Booker prize winner by Douglas Stuart. It rips your heart out several times, but ultimately leaves you feeling uplifted by the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between a mother and son. 

Why are you involved with The Reader: I am deeply motivated by making a difference to people’s lives, and The Reader creates communities, and improves the mental health and wellbeing of so many. I see the costs of disconnection every day, and The Reader’s work has never been more essential. 

Anita Marsland, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Reader 

Reader Story: Anita is the former Chief Executive of NHS Knowsley and Chief Officer at Knowsley Council, a joint appointment between the Council and PCT. She was seconded to the Department of Health in 2010 to lead the Public Health Transition Team overseeing the transfer of the local Public Health function from the NHS into Local Government and the establishment of Public Health England. This followed a long and distinguished career in Social Work in the North West of England. Anita is retained by Public Health England as an adviser on Local Government matters, she is a Non Executive Director at Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust and Independent Chair of Sefton Health and Care Transformation Board. Anita was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to Health and Social Care and more recently an Honorary Membership of the Faculty of Public Heath in 2017. She is a Director of Unique Health Solutions (Health and Care management consultancy). 

A book/poem/play I would like to share: The Invisible Woman, Claire Tomalin. The story of Dickens relationship with Nelly Ternan – a fascinating and illuminating social history. Another suggestion would be The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah Poet Lyricist Writer Activist. 

Why are you involved with The Reader? I was introduced to the work of The Reader some years ago and was immediately inspired by both the ethos and ambition of the organisation. I promised myself that following retirement from full time work I would offer my services as a volunteer… and here I am. It is such a privilege to be Chair of The Board of Trustees at this amazing organisation. 

Phillip Davies 

Reader story: Phil Davies was the Labour Leader of Wirral Council from 2012 to 2019, having represented Birkenhead and Tranmere Ward since 1991. He’s a non-executive director at The Engineering College in Birkenhead and a trustee of Wirral Food Bank. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: Middlemarch by George Eliot. A powerful Victorian novel with a complex web of characters who display the best and worst of human nature. 

Why are you involved with The Reader: I really like the idea of using great literature to improve the lives of everyone, particularly people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. 

Pranav Sood

Reader story: Pranav is VP International Expansion at UK-based FinTech GoCardless. Pranav started his career at Bain & Company, where he led Bain’s Social Business Incubator. He is governor of a primary school in Islington. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: The Odyssey by Homer. The original adventure story and still the best. 

Why are you involved with The Reader: I’m a passionate believer in the impact that great literature can have on people’s lives. 

Sarah Fletcher 

Reader Story: Sarah is Director of Finance & Operations at Alder Hey Children’s Charity. She is responsible for developing and delivering the financial strategy of the Charity, working with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to enable the Charity to provide vital funds for the work with the hospital’s brave young patients. Sarah started her career with PwC in August 2000 where she trained to be a chartered accountant. Following this, she moved to another top ten accountancy firm RSM where she worked as a manager overseeing a team delivering internal audit, technology and risk assurance services. Sarah joined The Reader in January 2016 as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance. She was responsible for implementing and strengthening the organisational processes that would allow Shared Reading to grow and fulfil its ambition across the UK. In her role, Sarah developed and delivered The Reader’s financial strategy. Following her move to Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Sarah continued in her role as Director on the Board for Calderstones Mansion House Community Interest Company and joined the The Reader Board as a Trustee. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull 

Why are you involved with The Reader: To make a difference. 

Andrea Nixon

Reader Story: Andrea moved to Liverpool in 2006 to become Executive Director of Tate Liverpool; she and her family fell in love with the city and she has worked here ever since. Andrea now works as a cultural consultant all over the country, helping organisations and their boards develop strategic planning and organisational change. She was awarded an MBE for services to the arts in 2019. She has a particular passion for cultural programmes that impact children and young people and helped establish the original Liverpool Cultural Education Partnership. Originally an English Literature graduate, Andrea loves reading, theatre, galleries, music and cinema and is a long-term book group member. She has been a trustee of a number of arts boards nationally and regionally and is currently Chair of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres. Andrea has been a long-term fan of The Reader since its initial move to the Mansion and much enjoyed being an office tenant in 2023! 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: One of my favourite books is George and Weedon Grossmith’s Diary of a Nobody , which remains as funny and puncturing as when it was written in 1892, encapsulating the life of the ordinary but extraordinary suburban Mr Pooter and his family. We all need a laugh in current times. The line ‘I left the room with dignity, but caught my foot in the mat’ remains constantly applicable to the human condition, whoever we are. 

Why I support The Reader: I am passionate about what The Reader stands for and what it helps people create on their own terms – and have loved seeing it grow in impact and connectivity in my favourite local park. The people are inspiring, the building is beautiful and the values are spot on. I am very keen to help in any way I can. 

Jamiejohn Anderson

Reader Story: Jamiejohn was born in Liverpool and is a commercial venue operator with over twenty years of experience, both in the UK and the Southern Hemisphere, working across the heritage marketplace, large-scale prestigious events, stadia, live entertainment, and full-service operations.

For almost a decade, Jamie lived and worked in and around Scotland, in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews, with some of the world’s top hospitality and facilities management companies.

Living in the south of the city, Jamie is a big fan of the Liverpool culinary scene, as well as reading, Cinema and taking his wee dog for walkies.

Book/Poem/Play I’d Like to Share: It’s so difficult to choose, but based on recent life experiences, I would opt for the short book “Tuesdays with Morrie” – an old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lesson. This book chronicles an important relationship in author Mitch Albom’s life – the one between himself and his old college professor, Morrie. As they reconnect during the professor’s final months of life, they discuss everything from greed and forgiveness to death and a meaningful life.

It’s not dark and dreary; quite the opposite, in fact.

Why Are You Involved with The Reader: Working at National Museums Liverpool, I was lucky enough to experience a shared reading session in early 2024. It was so therapeutic that it inspired me to pick up a book and read to my sick mum as she was in the hospice receiving end-of-life care. This became our special thing, and it was meaningful and powerful.

When the opportunity arose to get involved with this wonderful charity and its Calderstones facility, I couldn’t pass up the chance to strategically support and leverage my experience in a meaningful way.

Liam Black

Reader Story: I joined The Reader in October 2024. In my time I have been a CEO (with Liverpool’s FRC Group and the Jamie Oliver Group in London); a business founder (of leadership development company Wavelength); Executive Chairman with the global mental health platform Togetherall and The Conduit, a hospitality business with clubs in the UK and Scandinavia. I mentor and advise senior leaders and social entrepreneurs in a range of sectors; and I have written several books on leadership and social change, most recently How To Lead With Purpose in 2023. 

A book/poem/play I’d like to share: the last book I read cover to cover was Lessons by Ian McKewan, a brilliantly well written novel about growing older and coming to terms with life’s wins and losses – and whether we can really always tell the difference. 

Why are you involved with The Reader: Having been away from Liverpool for more than 20 years, it is delight to be able to support the excellent work of The Reader based in the very park where my kids learned to ride their bikes and I walked my dog Molly on many a fine evening. I hope my 30 years experience in businesses trying to balance money and mission, profit and purpose, will be helpful as The Reader continues to evolve in changing and uncertain times.