Emma Penney and James Mole will be joining the charity as appointed trustees for a three-year term effective immediately.

Emma is a freelance journalist based in Jordan with a focus on foreign policy. Previously, she worked as a producer for Radio 4 and Times Radio. She is passionate about working towards a more diverse and representative industry.

James is Director of Healthcare Communications at consultancy firm Hanover. Prior to this, he was Deputy Director of Communications for NHS England and also served as Head of Media for the NHS throughout the Covid pandemic. James began his career in Westminster as a parliamentary researcher having graduated from the University of Sheffield with a BA in Politics and MA in Political Communication.

‘’I am delighted to have Emma and James join the charity. Both bring a wealth of experience which will be of enormous benefit to the SPA and our members. We now have twenty-five volunteers dedicated to fostering the next generation of journalists who contribute to our two-hundred plus member publications.’’ Jack Walsh, SPA Chair 2024/25

The appointment of Emma and James followed a competitive application process which sought candidates with experience in the legal and charitable sectors, human resources, strategic planning, finance, and fundraising. 

Emma and James join fellow trustees Jem Collins of Journo Resources, Senior Political Correspondent with The Times Geri Scott, Chief Political Correspondent with The Times Aubrey Allegretti, Savanta’s Director of External Communications Richard Brooks, local democracy reporter for the The Scarborough News Anttoni Numminen, and Times Radio’s political producer Ollie Cole. 

Following a vote at this year’s AGM, held during #SPANC25 in Bristol, an additional appointed trustee position was created bringing the Trustee Board to four elected positions and four appointed positions. The elected trustees serve a four-year term whilst the appointed trustees serve for three years. 

More info on the 2024/25 team can be found here.

Congratulations to our two new trustees, Emma and James!