Patrons and Team
Board of Patrons
Our Board of Patrons for Jill Dando News and the global Good News Newsrooms project comprises inspirational and experienced individuals who support and champion our mission of bringing good news and positive change to schools and communities worldwide.
Mr Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle
The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, lends his esteemed support as a patron.
Nick Ross
Renowned broadcaster and journalist. Nick co-presented Crimewatch alongside Jill Dando in the 1990s and is the founder of the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science.
Nigel Dando
Jill Dando’s brother and a highly experienced journalist with 48 years at the BBC and other news organisations.
Emma Britton
A sought-after public speaker with a passion for sharing stories and inspiring change.
Ellise Hayward
Disabilities Editor for Jill Dando News, representing the voices of people with disabilities.
Dan Milford
An experienced educational leader and current headteacher who champions student-driven newsrooms and creativity in education.
Dan Aldridge, MP
A Member of Parliament who actively supports initiatives for young people and community-driven projects.
John Crockford-Hawley
The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare and a passionate advocate for local community development and education.
John Penrose
Former MP and dedicated supporter of innovative projects that empower youth and bring positivity to communities.
Good News Team
Our dedicated Good News Team works tirelessly to expand our vision across the UK, Africa, and beyond, creating meaningful opportunities for students and communities.
Liz Davis – Head of UK Operations
A visionary leader and former classmate of Jill Dando responsible for overseeing the expansion of Good News Newsrooms across the UK. Liz brings extensive experience in building partnerships and inspiring young people to engage with positive journalism.
Sarah O’Gorman – Head of Africa Operations
An experienced English teacher and pioneer of the Jill Dando News Centre in Malawi, Sarah leads our efforts to empower students in Africa with the tools and skills to share good news.
Jack Easterbrook – Head of Digital and Publishing (Global)
Jack is a digital and publishing expert responsible for leading the digital global development of Good News Newsrooms, ensuring young people have access to cutting-edge tools for storytelling.
Alex Crowther – Head of Social Media
Alex, the first graduate of the Jill Dando News project, is a remarkable success story. At just 24 years old, he is now Britain’s youngest football club board member and leads our social media strategy with innovation and enthusiasm.