Staff

Below are details of Think Global’s staff team. The charity’s overall strategic direction is set by our Board of Trustees, with support from an Advisory Council.

Tom Franklin
Chief Executive   
tom.franklin@think-global.org.uk 

Tom has overall responsibility for Think Global's work.  This is Tom’s third charity chief executive role.  He joined Think Global in 2012  from the Ramblers' Association, and prior to that was Chief Executive of Living Streets . He was also a senior London Councillor for twelve years, and has sat on several government appointed panels, ranging from the forestry panel to the Beacon Council awards.  Tom is a trustee of the Canal and River Trust, and is also studying with the Open University for a Masters in Development

“I believe education often brings out the innate goodness in people – and global learning means that people can use that goodness to take better decisions in their lives.  That’s what motivates me to be part of Think Global.” 

Moira Jenkins
Digital Programme Manager
moira.jenkins@think-global.org.uk

Moira is responsible for communicating Think Global's mission to schools and teachers and managing the Global Dimension Website for teachers. Before joining Think Global in 2004, Moira worked for the British Council where she was variously responsible for editing publications, developing websites and promoting their sport leadership programmes. Moira has a degree in French, German and International Relations.

“I get a real buzz out of finding useful resources and sharing them with people. I also have a love of learning, a curiosity about different cultures, a real concern for the environment and a keen sense of social justice. So really, what better job could there be for me than managing a website dedicated to ‘the world in your classroom’?”

Sejal Patel
Associate Programme Manager
sejal.patel@think-global.org.uk

Sejal is responsible for overseeing a range of Think Global projects and events, and for helping with the promotion of Think Global’s beliefs to both schools and businesses, and wider liaison with our networks.  She joined Think Global in 2008, having previously worked for the Department for International Development (DFID).  She graduated from Kingston University in 2006, with an Honours degree in Business Information Technology and in 2011 became a registered PRINCE2 practitioner.

"We are constantly faced with global issues and many people don’t understand why they are happening or what we can do to actually make a change.  Working here I’ve been able to see how the work we do helps young people connect to an issue, discuss it and challenge theirs and others’ perceptions, and think about how they can make a change. It is with this attitude we can hope for a better world for our future generations."

Sarah Williams
Head of Programmes 
sarah.williams@think-global.org.uk

Sarah is responsible for Think Global’s programme delivery, in particular Think Global’s role in the consortium which runs the Global Learning Programme.   Before joining Think Global in 2009 Sarah worked at Toynbee Hall setting up Active Citizenship projects, prior to that she led the youth network and educational outreach programmes at STAR (Student Action for Refugees). She has a BA in American History and an MA in Applied Anthropology and Youth and Community work at Goldsmiths, London.

Richard Leishman
Finance and Operations Director
richard.leishman@think-global.org.uk

Richard is responsible for Think Global's operational administration and financial affairs.  He joined Think Global in 2010. He worked for a decade in various operational and financial positions within Pearson PLC, ultimately becoming Finance Director of the Financial Times. More recently he founded and ran a successful entertainment website.  He has an MBA from London Business School and an Engineering Masters from Imperial College.

"My engineering and finance background means I am very analytical – I think good decisions about complex issues need to be based on carefully evaluated evidence. The issues that impact on our ability to create a fairer and happier future, like development and environmental protection are hugely complicated and often surrounded by misleading, incomplete and partisan information. I joined Think Global because it challenges and encourages people to take a critical and informed view about these issues so that they can make sound decisions about how to improve the world we live in."

Anneliese Gamper
Programme Manager
anneliese.gamper@think-global.org.uk

Anneliese is responsible for Think Global's policy and schools programmes.  She has a Secondary Geography PGCE from the Institute of Education and previously worked as Head of Geography and PSHE Coordinator in secondary schools in London. She graduated from Leeds University with a BA in Development Studies.

“Since it was first introduced to me aged 13 in a geography lesson I have been passionate about development. My interest was sparked by having a world I thought I knew turned on its head. Since then I have been involved in development or education in different guises and working for Think Global means I can combine these two, and hopefully pass on what ignited my curiosity all those years ago.”

Monika Kruesmann
Head of Programmes
monika.kruesmann@think-global.org.uk

Monika is Programme Manager at Think Global. She previously worked for almost ten years in policy and programme positions with the Commonwealth Government of Australia, including five years in school education policy. She is also a qualified teacher, and has taught modern foreign languages in secondary schools, and international economic relations at university level. Monika has worked and studied in Asia, Africa, the Pacific and Europe, and has a Masters degree in International Relations from the Australian National University, as well as a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics. Her specialist interests are international CSR, global normative change, and international development.

“The world is an amazing place. It’s exciting, varied and often beautiful; but it’s also complex and sometimes hard. Global learning is a way to work through those complexities and problems thoughtfully, and to think critically about how we can act to see more of the good things and less hardship, for everyone.”

Amy West
Programme Manager
amy.west@think-global.org.uk

Amy is a Programme Manager at Think Global, and also works as a Global Learning Programme (GLP) local advisor in London. Before joining Think Global in 2012, Amy worked as the School Linking Coordinator and Youth Engagement Officer at Plan UK. Amy has completed an MA in Education and International Development from the Institute of Education.  She also has a PGCE and has taught secondary music at The Castle School, South Gloucestershire.

“Since I was a child, I have always been stirred to act upon issues of social justice. As I have grown up, I have become very interested in inequality and poverty within my local and global community. I  always gain a great sense of satisfaction and excitement from designing resources and delivering training to support young people, schools, and teachers to think about these types of issues more deeply.”