George is a consultant specialising in strategic communications and education policy, with a background in journalism. He is associate director at Public First, a consultancy firm based in Westminster which helps policymakers and businesses make decisions firmly grounded in research about what matters to the public. He has worked across further and higher education with roles at the Association of Colleges and UCAS. As a journalist, George covered politics for the Press Association in Parliament during Brexit and COVID. He was previously an education reporter for the Times Educational Supplement and a local government reporter for newspapers in Norfolk and Suffolk. George lives in Lewisham with his partner Alex and enjoys running and cycling in his spare time.

National Volunteers Week: In Conversation with George Ryan

As part of National Volunteers Week, we spoke with George Ryan about what inspired him to volunteer as a trustee and college governor, what he has learned from the role, and why governance can make such a meaningful difference to children and young people. His reflections are a powerful reminder of the impact volunteers can have across education and the wider community.

• What inspired you to give your time and experience as a trustee and college governor?

  I have long been aware of the important work of the college and the Trust, both through living locally and through my professional experience in education policy. I am particularly inspired by the way the organisation supports children and young people to succeed, including those who may have faced challenges in education or who need additional support. For me, volunteering in governance is about helping to ensure that all learners have access to strong opportunities, excellent support and the best possible outcomes.

• How does volunteering through governance help shape opporutnities for students and support the wider community?
   

  I think trustees and governors bring a wide range of skills, perspectives and professional expertise to the board. By working together, we help to guide strategy, offer constructive challenge and support leaders to identify both opportunities and risks. For me, governance is a chance to give something back while working alongside others who share a commitment to the organisation’s values and mission. At its heart, it always comes back to one central question: what difference will this make for children and young people?

• What moments have made you feel most proud or fulfilled in your role?

  The most rewarding moments for me come from visiting schools and college campuses and speaking directly with students and pupils. It is always powerful to see the work of the organisation in action, whether through conversations during visits, classroom drop-ins or informal moments around the campus. These experiences bring board-level discussions to life and give me a real sense of the positive impact that staff, leaders and volunteers are making every day.

• What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved in volunteering or governance?

  My message would be simple: if you are even slightly interested, go for it. I do not think people should underestimate the value of what they can contribute, and organisations rely so much on volunteers. I have also found that volunteering brings real personal benefits, from learning new things and meeting people with different experiences to seeing first-hand the difference your contribution can make. People may be surprised at the warm reception they receive simply by offering to volunteer. It is a deeply rewarding experience and one that can have a lasting impact.

George’s reflections highlight the importance of volunteering in education and the vital role that trustees and governors play in helping organisations thrive. His interview is a positive reminder that giving your time, skills and perspective can help create meaningful opportunities for children and young people, while also being an incredibly rewarding experience for volunteers themselves.