Our Team

At Physics Partners, our growing team is united by a shared commitment to improving the life chances of young people through physics education. Our small, dedicated staff operates virtually across the UK, supported by over 50 freelance expert coaches who deliver tailored, in-person training and support to physics teachers and technicians. We also have a committed Board of Trustees and a group of esteemed advisors.

Our Team

Sally Smith

Chief Executive

Experienced charity sector senior manager, formerly at Diabetes UK.

Paul Hammond, Director of Education

Paul Hammond

Director of Education

Experienced Educational Leader, previously a Head Teacher and Head of Physics

Suzy Gray

Coordinator

Experienced Educational Leader, previously a Head Teacher and Head of Physics

Trustees

Isabelle Haigh

Chair

Engineer and former Executive at National Grid ESO

Richard Thomas

Deputy- Chair

Thomas Cookson MBE

Founder and Trustee

Former Head of King Edward V1 School, Southampton; Sevenoaks School and Winchester College

Winston Ginsberg

Trustee

Former Partner of TowerBrook Capital Partners.

Dr. Arpan Mehta

Trustee

Clinical Senior Lecturer and Hon. Consultant Neurologist, MRC Protein Phosphorylation & Ubiquitylation Unit, University of Dundee

Emma Smart

Trustee

Head of Science, Bedford Girls’ School

Krysia Sosin

Trustee

Assistant Headteacher, Hylands School, Chelmsford

Matthew Hateley

Trustee

Chartered Engineer and Director of Asset Management and Operational Resilience, Ofwat.

Alix Johnstone-Morfoisse

Trustee

Nuclear Engineer, Founder and owner of Simply BD

Dr. Kathryn O’Donnell

Trustee

Astrophysicist, Director and Co-founder of Apogee Missions Advisory Ltd.

Advisers

Christina Astin

Education Consultant and Trainer, Astin Consulting; Kent Science Adviser and former Head of Science, King’s School Canterbury

Dr Alan Barr

Professor of Particle Physics, Oxford University

Sir Richard Friend FRS

Cavendish Professor of Physics, Cambridge University

Dr. Mark Whalley

Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership | Physics and Science education, Philosophy of Science, Leadership and Management consultant | Education researcher – teacher retention

Henry Tuck

Experienced Engineering Company Director and ex-Master of the Pipe Makers Livery Company

Equality, diversity and inclusiON

At Physics Partners, we are committed to promoting equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and enhances our ability to fulfil our mission.

Our commitment to equal opportunities encompasses all aspects of our work.

  • We ensure that our recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. We provide equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
  • We do not discriminate in access to training and development programmes based on any protected characteristic.
  • We strive to create a working environment that is respectful, inclusive, and supportive. Harassment, discrimination, and any form of bullying are not tolerated within our organisation.
  • Our programmes and services are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all individuals. We make reasonable accommodations to ensure that everyone can participate and benefit from our activities and services.
  • We have a complaints procedure for reporting discrimination, harassment, or any unequal treatment. All reports are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated with appropriate action taken.
  • We are committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to promote equal opportunities. We regularly review and update our policies and practices to ensure they align with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

This Equal Opportunities Statement reflects our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community within our charity. We encourage all trustees staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners to embrace and uphold these principles.

We believe that by embracing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities, we can better achieve our mission and create a more just and equitable society.

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