Jemma Guerrier, Managing Director
Bio: 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
Bio: 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.
Jane Davis
Bio: 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.
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 focuses on food, as a board member of the Food Standards Agency, as well as 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.
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.
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.
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.
Anita Marsland, Chair
Name: 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.
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.
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.
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.