We, like every other UK charity, are governed by a group of trustees who make up the Board. Each trustee stands for three-year terms.
As the Chief Pastor for one of the largest dioceses in England, Bishop David supports the mission and ministry of around 250 parishes, approximately 200 schools, and a wide variety of chaplaincies. He is passionate about leading churches in the Diocese of Manchester as they grow, nurture, and serve their communities. As a member of the House of Lords, he seeks to hold the government to account, speaking particularly on housing and homelessness, on international trade, and on matters that relate to Manchester and the North-West. Within the national church, Bishop Walker has chaired the endowment fund (of the Church Commissioners), which invests over £10 billion globally to support the work of the church, including the poorest communities across the UK. A member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis and Honorary Professor of Anglican Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, Bishop David also has a wealth of experience in working with the media.
The Revd Cathrine Ngangira is the Priest-in-Charge of the parishes around Boughton-under-Blean, Hernhill, and Graveney in Kent. She grew up in Zimbabwe, where she was actively involved in youth ministry. Her connection with USPG began while she was studying Theology in Durham. She was a speaker at the 2019 Re-Imagining Conference. Outside of meetings, she enjoys navigating the unique joys and challenges of rural ministry.
The Very Revd Joe Hawes is the Dean of St Edmundsbury. Joe is a former Durham University graduate who studied theology at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. He came to St Edmundsbury in Bury St Edmunds from All Saints’ Fulham and was previously Team Vicar for eight years at St Michael’s, Barnes Team Ministry, in London. He served his curacy within the Clapham Team Ministry.
Kenson is the assistant curate of Manchester Cathedral. Originally from Hong Kong, Kenson studied Music at the University of Manchester. After graduating, he spent three years as parish assistant at a highly deprived parish in South Manchester. He trained for ordained ministry at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield. For the past three years he has served as a lay member of General Synod of the Church of England. He is currently a member of the Vocations and Ministry working group in the Living in Love and Faith Programme. He is an avid traveller and loves learning languages.
Mathen Thomas became a trustee in September 2021. He has lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, Brussels, Ghana, India, Thailand, and Denmark. Mathen has led businesses in the UK, EU, Asia-Pacific, and Globally. He has served on the PCCs with various churches as Warden, Secretary and in Finance, successfully restarting growth, financial stability, addressing significant fabric needs, and supporting chaplains on their change journeys. He now lives in Canterbury and undertakes interim roles and as a consultant in his niche area for delivering growth, transformation, and collaboration with commercial organisations and the Church of England.
The Revd Charles Cowling became a trustee in September 2021. He chairs the Finance and Audit Committee. Charles is chief actuary and partner at Mercer in the UK, where he leads on research, professionalism and actuarial standards. Charles has extensive experience in the charity sector as a Trustee and Chair and in 2024, became the President of the International Actuarial Association. In June 2024, Charles was ordained to the Priesthood and now serves at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church.
Peter Wienand retired from London law firm Farrer & Co in April 2024, where he practised for nearly 40 years, acting for charities and not-for-profits (among a wide variety of other clients). Initially specialising in intellectual property and developing particular expertise in copyright licensing and branding, he also acquired experience in charity governance and international NGOs. He is also a former Trustee of the Henry Moore Foundation. He read Modern History at Oxford and in October 2024 becomes a student again, having been admitted to the Archaeology MPhil at the University of Cambridge. He worships at St Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester, and has served on its fundraising committee.
Chris Dyer has had a varied career in senior policy and HR roles within Whitehall Government departments and the National Church Institutions (NCI) of the Anglican Church. She recently retired from her NCIs’ role as People Director, which she held for over five years. She served two terms as a non-executive trustee with the social enterprise HCT Group. Chris has worshipped at both Anglican and Methodist churches and currently serves on the leadership team at Haywards Heath Methodist Church, Sussex.
Samuel Williams is a leader with a multifaceted career spanning international development, strategic communications, and economic inclusion. He is the founding CEO of Hodos Consultancy, a globally recognised communications firm, and serves as the Global Private Sector Partnerships Lead at Christian Aid. A graduate of the University of Bristol, Samuel holds a BA and MA in Theology, along with advanced studies in Sustainable Development, Liberation, and Ministerial Theology. His theological training informs his approach to addressing complex global challenges with a blend of spiritual depth and practical strategy. Samuel serves as a trustee and treasurer for St Mary Redcliffe Parish Church and Partners Relief and Development.
Rosie Dawson first came across USPG after university when she spent a life-changing year in South India as part of its Experience Exchange Programme. She went on to train in journalism, working at the BBC for nearly 30 years and winning many industry awards for her religious affairs documentaries. Rosie continues to produce programmes and podcasts as a freelance as well as supporting the work of the Religion Media Centre. She studied Theology at Oxford and has always been passionate about communicating theological ideas, working closely with academics on their public engagement.
Emma Wild-Wood is Professor of African Religions and World Christianity at the University of Edinburgh and is Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of World Christianity. She was a theological educator in the Anglican Church in DR Congo and Uganda. She has worked for SPCK. She has also directed the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide in the Cambridge Theological Federation and taught in the University of Cambridge.
The Revd David Chislett is a qualified accountant with over 25 years’ experience as Chief Financial Officer in both private and public technology businesses. He has served as a trustee for several organisations and, during a period of transition, led Tearfund’s Finance and IT team. During this time, he visited Tearfund partners in Honduras, broadening his understanding of global mission. David holds a Master’s in Christian Leadership from St Mellitus College and completed his ordination training at Ripon College Cuddesdon in 2021. He will be licensed as Vicar of Wargrave with Knowl Hill in August 2025.