Our people | Fatherhood Institute

Our team

Joint Chief-Exec & Head of Research

Adrienne Burgess

Adrienne leads our research strategy, directing and contributing to our research projects. As joint Chief Exec, she also makes key decisions on the running of the organisation. Adrienne was a co-founder of the FI (formerly known as Fathers Direct) in 1999. Prior to that, she worked as a journalist specialising in interpreting academic research for popular audiences. Adrienne was also an actress working in theatre, television, film, and on radio.

E: AdrienneBurgess@fatherhoodinstitute.org

Joint Chief-Exec & Head of Strategy

Kathy Jones

Kathy has strategic oversight of numerous of our projects which deliver research, systems change processes, and CPD and testing programmes for fathers and/or families in health, education, and social care across the UK and internationally. Kathy joined FI in 2004 - before that, she worked in community development. She is a qualified art psychotherapist and was awarded an MA in psychoanalytic approaches to consultation and the organisation (Tavistock) in 2005.

E: KathyJones@fatherhoodinstitute.org

Head of Impact & Communications

Dr Jeremy Davies

Jeremy leads our communications and policy influencing work; contributes to research; leads impact partnerships with universities and other partners; develops evidence-based resources for specialist and lay audiences; writes funding bids; and is our main press contact. He joined the FI in 2006. Jeremy has a Masters in Research and completed a PhD about gay fathers' paternal experiences and practices. He is a former journalist.

E: J.Davies@fatherhoodinstitute.org

Head of Training

Jeszemma Howl

Jeszemma develops, designs, and coordinates the training, parenting programmes, and consultancy services. Jeszemma is a Churchill Fellow, completing her travelling fellowship in Trinidad and the USA on engaging fathers in breastfeeding support. Prior to joining the FI in 2007, Jeszemma supported fathers and families in early years and safeguarding services.

E: J.howl@fatherhoodinstitute.org

Our trustees

Jack O'Sullivan

Jack is a father and stepfather for three young people. A co-founder of the Fatherhood Institute, he wrote ‘He’s Having a Baby – the BBC Guide to Fatherhood’ and launch-edited ‘Dad’, Britain’s first consumer magazine for fathers, created by FI.

He currently develops thinktanks in research institutions.

Dr Shaddai Tembo

Dr Shaddai Tembo is a lecturer in early childhood studies (UK and China) at Bath Spa University and an associate lecturer at the Open University.

He is a trustee for the Fatherhood Institute and an independent speaker, trainer and consultant through Critical Early Years.

Will McDonald

Will McDonald is a freelance sustainability consultant. Previously he ran the Group Sustainability and Public Policy teams at Aviva, as a job share with another dad (earning a place in the Timewise 2018 Power part-time list).

Will has also worked in Government, including as a Special Adviser to Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP. He has 3 children.

Yusuf Chadun

Yusuf is a father and co-parents his three children. To help new working parents, he started a flexible nursery with a co-working space.

He's a primary school Governor and Chair of a charity that helps young people with education and employment. He works for an NGO helping UK start-ups grow.