Our team

Justine Daniels – CEO

I have the privilege of leading the best team in the world, united in our passion to get the nation’s kids to love reading. With two ‘reluctant readers’ of my own, who themselves seem to be constantly hard-wired to some device or other, I know how difficult, but also how incredibly important it is to keep the magic of reading and stories alive. justine@readforgood.org

Cherry Land – COO

My role reflects the huge range and reach of Read for Good’s work; from looking after our 11 professional hospital storytellers and overseeing the six-weekly delivery of 120 brand new books in all of the UK’s 30 major children’s hospitals, to the distribution of free resource kits to thousands of schools throughout the year. Welcoming our growing band of enthusiastic volunteers who provide office support and help to collate and pack book donations in our warehouse, is another reason why I love coming to work every day! cherry@readforgood.org

Lucy Robinson – Readathon

As a former primary school teacher and mum of two who view reading as ‘homework’, I fully understand the challenges teachers and pupils face, which helps me to support schools running our Readathon. I feel incredibly lucky to have discovered such an awesome bunch of talented and dedicated people to work with, in a truly amazing charity which shares the love of reading with everyone, everywhere! lucy@readforgood.org

Jane Crompton – Fundraising and Development

After working in publishing for many years, and then for various charitable causes, I could not miss the opportunity to make a difference through books, so aptly described by Stephen King as ‘a uniquely portable magic’. My role at Read for Good is not really about money, it’s about making that difference – spreading the magic of brilliant books and spellbinding stories to as many children as possible. It’s about working in partnership with all our incredible, like-minded supporters, to change lives. jane@readforgood.org

Dr Lucy Martin – Research and Partnerships

My role allows me to develop relationships with the most amazing individuals who share Read for Good’s commitment to changing children and young people’s lives through the power of stories and reading for pleasure. As there is so much evidence to support how transformative reading can be, it’s my job to make sure we share this and that our work in schools and hospitals is driven by the latest research. I’m never far away from books, meaning that I can often be found in the local library, or sitting under a tree, reading to my toddler who loves stories. lucymartin@readforgood.org

Holly McSweeney – Citywides

I am a perennial book juggler, often teased at University where I read English, for never quite finishing the book we were supposed to have read. I am however, endlessly absorbed by the way that words on a page can connect us and move us to places in our minds, or to take action in the world. I love that Read for Good empowers children and young people to discover books, finding the stories that speak to and inspire them – or those that simply make them smile. In my role as fundraiser I enjoy reaching out to like-minded supporters who help us to bring stories to children in hospital and those most in need of a quick journey into another world. holly@readforgood.org

Ollie Jennings – Partnerships

I have enjoyed working and building relationships between organisations over the last few years, so I’m delighted to be developing meaningful relationships with a variety of corporate supporters for Read for Good. As technology is now such an integral part of everyone’s lives, I think it’s vital that we support children and young people in finding the time and space to read for pleasure. Our work across the UK is an enormous source of inspiration, and I am thrilled to be part of the team that makes it happen. ollie@readforgood.org

Jonathan Brown – Development and Data

One day I might be applying for funding from one of our generous funders and the next I might be collaborating with our hard-working partners to help get wonderful new books into the hands of more children across the country. What could be better?! As someone who spent more time than I should playing video games throughout secondary school, I am acutely aware of the uphill battle that reading faces, given this competition. This is why I feel so passionately about Read for Good’s mission, because reading is deceptive: it is not only hugely enjoyable, it also creates skills and opportunities far greater than the sum of its parts. jonathan@readforgood.org

Jenny Benson – Fundraising and Communications

In the rare moments when we got along when we were younger, my big brother would read Captain Underpants to me before bed, transporting me to a world of superheroes and talking toilets! Ever since then, I’ve been a voracious reader, always waiting for the next story to bring some magic (and often some silliness) to my life. I’m delighted to share my love of reading, all the way from comics to classics, with our fabulous supporters here at Read for Good and bring that same joy to children and young people today. jenny@readforgood.org

Tash Hyde – Readathon

During my time as an outreach librarian, I was fortunate enough to see how much joy reading and books bring to children and families. Reading for pleasure is so important – it’s an escape, a way to find out more about the world, a place to find inspiration, and an activity that empowers. I’m so excited to support schools running Readathon, helping pupils to read anything and everything they choose whilst helping to make the stays of those in hospital that little bit brighter. tash@readforgood.org

Kevin Underwood – Chair of Trustees

Kevin brings over 45 years’ of experience in property and business, and sits on a number of Boards including for a Hospice and as a School Governor, giving him ideal experience and insight to support Read for Good’s work in schools, hospitals and medical settings.

Annie Everall OBE

Director of Authors Aloud UK and Review Editor for Carousel Children’s Books, Annie was awarded the OBE in 2001 for services to children’s books and libraries in recognition of her tireless work over 30 years as a qualified children’s librarian, and for her involvement in numerous award-winning innovative services and initiatives including the Birmingham Centre for the Child, The Young Readers UK book festival, The Stories from the Web and the Derbyshire Big Book Bash for children in care and their carers. Annie is delighted to be able to put all of this to use in helping Read for Good in its mission to get all children in the UK reading for pleasure.

Stephen Morgan (Treasurer)

Steve is a chartered accountant with 30 years’ experience of the UK and global healthcare sectors. He has held directorships with a number of charitable organisations and became a trustee for Read for Good in June 2016.

Rachel Bolton

Rachel has a wealth of experience across a variety of roles at different schools; starting as a secondary school modern foreign languages teacher, Rachel has now moved to a language support role in a primary school. With a passion for reading and a love of children’s literature she also ran the school library. Rachel is overjoyed to bring this experience to Read for Good.

Helen West (Safeguarding)

Helen started her career as a scientist and became a primary school teacher following the birth of her children. She moved to teaching at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, enjoying the challenges of teaching children in hospital. Having recently retired from that role, Helen was thrilled to bring her expertise to Read for Good, having seen its service benefit many children in hospital.

Paula Regan

Paula has worked in children’s book publishing for more than 20 years. A Managing Editor at DK, she produces non-fiction, illustrated books for children around the world in partnership with popular brands. Paula lives in London with her husband and two sons, and knows first-hand the challenges of getting children to read for pleasure, and also the joy and great benefits that it brings.

Caroline Sence – Advisor to the Board

I am a mum to three young children who love reading anything and everything so long as what they are reading isn’t considered a ‘school book.’ Comics, graphic novels, audiobooks, fables, picture books, magazines, and non-fiction books make up their literary diets! I am delighted to be able to assist Read for Good, where my role is to present our work to the wider world, keep the team updated on the latest research, and support the trustees.