Recognising their outstanding contributions to the development and understanding of character education in practice, policy and in public life the Jubilee Centre has, since 2020, recognised several leading educators, charity executives and advocates for the development of character as an Ambassador of Character.
All roles and titles are accurate to the date the Ambassadors were awarded.
Then Head of School, now Director of University Training School & Character Education at the University of Birmingham School, Rebecca Tigue was recognised for providing an invaluable link between the Centre and the delivery of the unique enriched, character-led school day since its founding.
The first Ambassador of Character, Bec has become a leading national figure in character education, speaking on the importance of prioritising virtue in education at several national forums, to industry as well as to dozens of visitors to the school from both across the UK and throughout the world. Presented with her Award in January 2020 at the Centre’s annual conference at Oriel College, University of Oxford, by Baroness Nicky Morgan, Bec was also showcased as a ‘Birmingham Hero’ as part of the 2020 Character Matters Campaign
The founder of Character Scotland and originator of the Inspiring Purpose Values Poster Programmes, which reached over 300,000 young people in 200 schools across the commonwealth, David has influence practice, policy and pedagogy in education and civic life for over 30 years. Alongside this David is a founding member of the International Futures Forum and was editor of its digest, Omnipedia – Thinking for Tomorrow. He was also an author, Trustee of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment, Churchill Fellow, and the former President of Wrekin Trust and the Swedenborg Society.
Merged with the Association of Character education in 2021, Character Scotland’s legacy of promoting positive virtue traits in the develop of young people lives on.
For his work, in partnership with the centre, David was named as the first of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in March 2022 by Professor James Arthur OBE, Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, at the New Club, Edinburgh.
Former Chief Executive & Co-founder of Character Scotland, Ronnie Davidson led the Inspiring Purpose Programme from 2009 until 2018. A grantee of the Templeton Foundation Ronnie was also the PI on the Global Citizens In The Making project, which through a national wide schools poster campaign focussed on the legacy and impact of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, held in Glasgow. This work also led to the creation of a Character Development Network in Scotland, bringing together key organizations working with young people raise the profile of character and values education in Scotland and the Commonwealth.
Merged with the Association of Character education in 2021, Character Scotland’s legacy of promoting positive virtue traits in the develop of young people lives on.
For his work, in partnership with the centre, Ronnie was named as the second of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in March 2022 by Professor James Arthur OBE, Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, at the New Club, Edinburgh.
Chris has played an instrumental role in introducing and developing character education at Northampton Academy since joining as Vice Principal in 2017.
Now Principal of the school, Chris’ leadership and commitment to developing the character of both staff and pupils has helped to ensure that character education features prominently in all aspects of school life.
For his work, in partnership with the centre, Chris was named as the third of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in May 2022 by Heather Templeton Dill, President of the John Templeton Foundation, at the House of Lords.
Carole passionately leads character education at Yeading Junior School as Headteacher.
Carole views character through the lens of social action and has actively established partnerships with parents and the community to empower her students to become responsible, knowledgeable young citizens who are able to influence others for the betterment of themselves and society.
For her work, in partnership with the centre, Carole was named as the fourth of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in May 2022 by Heather Templeton Dill, President of the John Templeton Foundation, at the House of Lords.
Adrian is a keen advocate of character education, and speaks passionately about this topic in school through his professional roles.
As Director of Personal Development, Inclusion and Safeguarding within the Severn Academies Education Trust, Adrian works with staff, students and parents to understand the importance of character, and how these influence students’ success, and his research has focused on supporting collaborative practice between schools and parents.
For his work, in partnership with the centre, Adrian was named as the fifth of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in May 2022 by Heather Templeton Dill, President of the John Templeton Foundation, at the House of Lords.
CEO of Wise Owl Trust & teacher for 18 years, Sophie Murfin has been working in and promoting character education for the past 7 years. As Chief Executive Officer, Sophie has transformed the Wise Owl Trust into a hub for character education.
Working with the centre for several years, Sophie takes part in research, presenting at events and recently co-authoring the book Future Proof with the Centre’s Deputy Director Tom Harrison.
For her work, in partnership with the centre, Sophie was named as the sixth of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in July 2022 by Professor Dame Alison Peacock, CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching, at the University of Birmingham.
Principal of Ark Boulton Academy, Herminder Channa OBE JP utilises character education to create thriving communities for the pupils she works to support.
Described as an ‘Inspirational headteacher’ and a ‘transformational school leader’ by the national press, Herminder was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours for her services in education. Herminder has been involved in Jubilee Centre research projects, speaking as the keynote at the Centre’s 10 year anniversary celebration at the House of Lords.
For her work, in partnership with the centre, Herminder was named as the seventh of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in July 2022 by Professor Dame Alison Peacock, CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching, at the University of Birmingham.
Dr. Karen Bohlin is a keen advocate and thought leader in character education, practical wisdom and applied virtue ethics. Head of School at Montrose School in Boston for 18 years, Karen passionately led the school’s efforts in forming character and creating a vibrant school community.
Karen founded and remains director emerita of The Life Compass Institute for character and leadership. Throughout this time Karen has contributed actively to the work of the Centre and its predecessors, as a teaching fellow, by speaking regularly at conferences, seminars and webinars, and our podcast, as well as supporting the development of resources for schools. Now a Senior Fellow at The Abigail Adams Institute and Director of the Practical Wisdom Project, Karen continues her work in connecting character teaching theory and practice both within and beyond the classroom.
For her work, in partnership with the centre, Karen was named as the eighth of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in September 2022 by Heather Templeton Dill, President of the John Templeton Foundation, at Oriel College, Oxford.
Julie Taylor is at the forefront of integrating character into teacher education at Warwick University. As an Assistant Professor and the Deputy Head of Primary Teacher Education, Julie has played an instrumental role in how the university approaches character education in Primary teaching.
Julie completed her Masters in Character Education in 2020 and has continued to work with the Jubilee Centre on various publications and webinars including most recently contributing a case study for the Centre’s recent book Understanding Character Education: Approaches, Applications and Issues which showcases the pioneering character work that she has led for student teachers.
For her work, in partnership with the centre, Julie was named as the ninth of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in September 2022 by Professor Jon Cruddas MP at Oriel College, Oxford.
Headmaster of the London Oratory School Since 2018, Dan Wright advocates the development of character education in spiritual and moral virtues within the school.
As the first Teaching Fellow of the Jubilee Centre in 2014, Dan has contributed to several character education resources and publications with the Centre. Dan was the lead author of the Centre’s Secondary Programme of Study, designed to help young people explore and develop their character, this resource has been used by hundreds of schools. As headmaster, Dan has empowered his students to create thriving communities both within and beyond his school.
For his work, in partnership with the centre, Dan was named as the tenth of ten character ambassadors marking the Jubilee Centre’s tenth anniversary. This award was presented in September 2022 by Jim Rahn, President of the Kern Family Foundation, and Lord James O’Shaughnessy at Oriel College, Oxford.