News
Welcoming our new trustees
16 Jul 2025
We are delighted to announce the appointment of four new trustees to the National Numeracy Board.
Following a detailed and thoughtful recruitment campaign, these appointments bring fresh expertise, energy and insight to our mission of improving numeracy and building number confidence across the UK.
John Ball, who joins the Board as Treasurer
John is a Board Member of the Financial Conduct Authority, a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, and brings extensive experience from a 40-year career in financial services, including as UK CEO and global business head. He also holds a number of other non-executive and trustee roles.
"As someone who has spent my working life within a maths-focused profession in the financial services industry, I have seen first-hand how having a better understanding of numerical issues can help people make better financial decisions, which improves not only their financial situation but also can dramatically enhance their general wellbeing, confidence and life chances. As a result, I am passionate about the impact that improving numeracy skills can have in enabling both adults and children to realise their full potential, and I am therefore delighted to have the opportunity to support the great work which National Numeracy is doing."
Mary Gregory, Director of Population Statistics at the Office for National Statistics
Mary is a government statistician with experience across public data, evaluation and regulation, and was recently the Royal Statistical Society’s 2024–25 William Guy Lecturer for children.
"I am delighted to be joining National Numeracy as one of its newest board members. The work National Numeracy does to improve number confidence and competence is critical to improving outcomes for adults and children and I look forward to playing my part in supporting its vision for everyone in the UK to get on with numbers so they can get on in life."
Dipesh Patel, who leads Marketing and Digital Commerce Transformation for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing business
With over 20 years of experience in digital, analytics, and transformation, Dipesh brings both strategic insight and a personal passion for numeracy.
"I believe numeracy is a gateway to opportunity. Growing up, I saw how confidence with numbers could open doors—and how a lack of it could hold people back. That’s why I’m proud to join the board of National Numeracy. The charity’s mission to build number confidence and improve lives resonates deeply with me, and I’m excited to support its work in empowering individuals and communities across the UK."
Karolina Joynathsing, a senior leader in global partnerships and digital innovation, currently at Amazon Music
She brings a wealth of experience from roles at Spotify, the BBC and Skype, and is passionate about inclusion and equitable access to skills.
"I’m really excited to be joining the board of National Numeracy. I’ve seen first-hand how building confidence with numbers can open doors — helping people feel more in control, grow their careers, and make better everyday decisions. I’m especially passionate about supporting women to feel confident with numeracy and explore related careers. I’m looking forward to helping more individuals across the UK build the confidence and skills they need to thrive."
Perdita Fraser, Chair of National Numeracy, said:
"We are delighted to welcome John, Mary, Dipesh and Karolina to the Board. They each bring valuable expertise and a strong commitment to our mission. I know they will make a significant contribution as we continue to drive positive change. We are also grateful to those trustees who are stepping down after years of generous service and impactful leadership."
Thank you to our outgoing trustees
As we welcome new trustees, we also say goodbye and thank you to four incredible members of our Board who have now stepped down: Hiten Patel, Partner at Oliver Wyman, Sherry Coutu, entrepreneur and non-executive director, Edward Brunel Cohen, former Global Director of Finance at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist at the Bank of England and Vice-Chair of our Board.
We are deeply grateful for everything they have contributed to National Numeracy. Their time, commitment, and belief in the importance of numeracy have helped steer the charity to where it is today.
Perdita Fraser added:
"Each of our outgoing trustees has made a meaningful mark on National Numeracy. We thank them warmly for their support, ideas, and advocacy—especially during a period of significant growth and impact for the charity."
A New Role for Andy Haldane
We are especially pleased to share that Andy Haldane, having completed his maximum term as trustee and Vice-Chair, will become National Numeracy’s first ever Patron.
Andy will continue to champion the cause of numeracy in the UK and will remain in his role as Chair of the National Numeracy Leadership Council for the time being.
Andy Haldane said:
"It’s been an enormous privilege to serve as a trustee, Vice-Chair of National Numeracy and chair of the National Numeracy Leadership Council over the past eight years. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact the charity has had in building number confidence across the UK.
"I’m honoured to take on this new role as Patron and to continue championing the work of National Numeracy in helping individuals unlock opportunities and improve lives through better numeracy."
Sam Sims, Chief Executive of National Numeracy, said:
"Andy has been an outstanding trustee and Vice-Chair. His insight, passion and advocacy for numeracy have played a pivotal role in elevating our understanding of the issue at the national level and building what is now a broad and growing coalition of individuals and organisations taking action to address it. We’re thrilled that Andy will continue to represent and support National Numeracy in this new capacity as Patron."
