Our team
We’re a small core team working alongside our board and youth steering group. Together, we bring a mix of experience from education, youth work, politics and digital engagement.
Hattie founded The Politics Project in 2015 to develop creative and interactive programmes that empower young people to use their voice. Prior to founding The Politics Project she worked for a variety of organisations in formal education and youth and community work, including UpRising, DebateMate, the Tutor Trust and NCS.
She is a graduate of the University of Manchester where she studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics. At university she discovered her love of youth democratic education and has been talking to young people about politics ever since.
Ian is passionate about empowering young people with the skills and knowledge they need to improve their lives and community. Working in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years, he has delivered dozens of projects that improved the life chances of young people by equipping them with the employability skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
A University of Southampton Politics graduate, Ian has always been interested in politics and democratic engagement. Since joining The Politics Project in 2020, he continues to use his experience to help young people develop their confidence and understanding of political issues, so they can make a positive difference to their community and society.
Emily is passionate about helping young people build the skills and dispositions needed for active citizenship. She joined The Politics Project in 2025 and continues to use her experience to engage and empower young people to make their voices heard in their communities.
Emily graduated from Northern Arizona University with degrees in history and art history and received her teaching certification from the University of Pennsylvania. For over 15 years, Emily has worked with young people first as a classroom teacher and then for a democratic education non-profit.
Pip specialises in designing and leading youth-driven programs, empowering young people to be creative and advocate for the issues they care about. A music graduate from the University of Manchester, he has served as the Programmes Director for the Schools Climate Assembly and as Chair of the youth-led organisation, Woodcraft Folk.
As Youth Programme Manager for The Politics Project, Pip has led voter registration initiatives for young people and oversees projects that use innovative approaches to engage young people in democracy. In addition to his work in activism and education, Pip is an accomplished saxophonist, music teacher, and band leader.
Florence completed her Master’s in International Relations at King’s College London in 2022, specialising in critical political theory. Driven by a commitment to inclusive education around political issues, she went on to work in art curation and communications. Here she gained experience in facilitating spaces for accessible cultural and political discourse, in both gallery and community settings.
Florence joined The Politics Project in 2025, eager to fulfil her desire to empower young people—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—to become informed, active participants in the political landscape. Outside of work, Florence continues to explore the intersection of art, politics and public discourse by running an exhibition club.
Fatema graduated with a degree in History from the University of Bristol in 2022. Her specialism includes histories of protest and solidarity movements. Fatema is passionate about helping and empowering young people and marginalized communities in understanding their power.
Since joining The Politics Project in 2023, Fatema has focused on helping young Londoners engage in local and national elections and beyond.
Sharon graduated with a degree in History and Politics from the University of Cambridge. As a student, she volunteered as a student ambassador and a pastoral mentor which inspired a commitment to helping young people access higher education.
After graduating, she worked as a teaching assistant, supporting pupils and students with additional learning needs to access the curriculum. Dedicated to empowering young people from all backgrounds to find their voice through education, Sharon is excited to further this mission at The Politics Project.
Beti has an MA in International Relations and a PhD in Politics and Sociology from Liverpool John Moores University. Her specialisms include anti-racism movements and cultural politics in Wales. Before joining TPP, Beti led higher education seminars on political and sociological topics. She has also published articles on social movements in Wales and discussed the importance of youth activism on BBC Radio Cymru.
Beti is dedicated to providing democratic education, particularly for those in underrepresented communities. She is excited to use her expertise and passion to empower young people and support The Politics Project’s mission. Beti is also a fluent Welsh speaker.
Lucas graduated with a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Oxford, before completing a master’s in social anthropology at the University of Cambridge, where he studied language and settler colonialism.
Before joining TPP, Lucas worked in educational access, as a teaching assistant in SEMH education and with the Welsh Government’s Seren Network for university access. He’s passionate about supporting young people to influence the systems that structure their lives. He will continue this work as a programme coordinator for TPP’s work in Wales.
Our Board of Trustees
Our Board is made up of experienced and passionate leaders who help ensure The Politics Project stays true to its mission. With expertise across education, law, youth engagement, environmental advocacy and public policy, they provide strategic oversight, governance and support. Their diverse backgrounds from regulators and educators to lawyers and nonprofit leaders, help us maintain high standards, grow responsibly and strengthen our impact on democratic participation across the UK.
Our Youth Steering Group is made up of 16 young people from across the UK and plays a key role in shaping our work.
They bring lived experience, fresh ideas, and honest feedback to ensure our programmes stay relevant and accessible and reflect the interests and challenges that young people are face right now.
Our youth steering group helps us by advising on projects, co-designing resources and shaping strategy. Most importantly, they help keep young people’s voices at the centre of our work.
The mission of The Politics Project is one that is incredibly close to my heart, and it is central to the work that I do. Since I first became involved with my local council at 14, my understanding of the importance of engagement, education and reformation around our political system has grown massively. I’ve witnessed the impact that politics has on all people, young, old and everywhere in-between, and it has driven me to shout louder, work harder and campaign further to give all young people a seat at the table.
This project and the team that powers it are exceptional examples of how to do youth engagement right, and I am honoured to play a role in bringing their vision to life.
Having lived in India, the US, and the UK, I’ve developed a strong interest in both global and local politics. I’m passionate about making political education more accessible, and helping future generations engage more confidently with our British democracy.
Hi, I am Amelia and I am a member of the TPP YSG. I am currently studying global politics and I would love to pursue a career in politics! I love to get involved with the climate group of my college as I love to learn about the changes I can make for the environment!
Hi! I'm Arun from Brighton. I love climbing, running, swimming, cycling - you name it! I joined to see what I could try and bring back to my community and have learnt loads by taking part!
I’ve been involved in youth politics since the age of 14, and have loved every minute. Like everyone else, I’m super passionate about youth voice and participation, and in my free time you can find me playing music or baking!
I’m so grateful to be a part of the Politics Project Youth Steering Group. The conversations and ideas that we have are so interesting and engaging, and I have also been able to work with this amazing group of people and take leadership roles like chairing meetings. I am so excited for everything planned ahead!
Hello everyone, I applied to be in the YSG as a result of personal interest in increased political literacy. Living overseas for most of my life has given me a different perspective on democracy and its importance. In my free time I read and play basketball.
I’m a passionate youth activist and an elected Member of the Scottish and UK Youth Parliament. I enjoy taking part in politics and making it more accessible for young people. I love volunteering with the Youth Steering Group with TPP and can’t wait to see where they go!
I joined the YSG because I’m all for making politics feel less like a members-only club and more like something we all get to get involved in to shape a brighter future. Politics shouldn't be complicated, it should speak for young people and not talk over them.
I am passionate about the intersection between Policy, Technology and the environment. In my spare time I compete in powerlifting!
I'm passionate about social equity, civic empowerment and ensuring young people shape the decisions that affect them. As a member of the Youth Steering Group, I’ve contributed to national policy conversations and worked on projects connecting politics to lived experience.
I believe young voices aren’t the future - we’re the present.
I’m currently studying ICT and starting my childhood and youth studies degree in September. I’m really passionate about inclusivity and accessibility in particular around physical and mental health and making a difference in young people’s lives.
As well as my role in the steering group I’m also an ambassador for iWill and My Life My Say.
