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Please note this online ballot closed on 6 June 2025.
In accordance with its by-laws, the GA is opening the online ballot for an Elected Trustee on the Board of Trustees to be appointed from 1 September 2025.
There are four candidates for the post: Emma Espley, Denise Freeman, Kate Glanville and Chantal Mayo-Hollaway,
The ballot ran from Monday 19 May to 5 pm on Friday 6 June 2025.
In order to vote you will need to enter your GA membership number (this is your username for logging onto the GA website) but if you are unable to provide this information please let us have your full name and postcode so that we can find your number on the GA membership database.
Candidate statements
Emma Espley
I have been a member of the GA since my sixth form days (a little over 30 years). I have acted as a Consultant to the GA from 2012 and been delighted to deliver the ‘In the Know’ webinar series on their behalf.
In 2022, I established GlosGeog, Gloucestershire’s local GA branch, which is well supported by teachers at all levels. Additionally, I steer a virtual Primary Geography Subject Leader Network that is attended by individuals throughout the UK. In 2021, I received a GA Enhanced Professional Award and became a Fellow and Chartered Geographer (FRGS; CGeog) with the RGS-IBG. At the 2025 GA Annual Conference and Exhibition, I was thrilled to be presented with a GA Geography Champion Award.
The role of Elected Trustee excites me. Not only would it enable me to support the GA beyond my current educational remit, but also provide insight into the day-to-day operation of a leading subject association and a chance to network with others from the geography community and beyond. Further details about myself and my background can be gleaned by accessing the ‘My Mission’ and ‘A little more about me …’ sections of my website (https://create2inspire.co.uk/).
Denise Freeman
I am proud to be part of the Geographical Association. As a long-standing member, I’m committed to supporting the organisation as it evolves.
Recently, I have held several leadership roles within the organisation, including President in 2023–24 and trustee. Being a trustee has deepened my understanding of good governance within the GA. In the role I have led several key initiatives, such as implementing recommendations from an external governance review. This work has strengthened both the Board and its connections across the organisation. In 2024, I became Vice Chair of Trustees and would welcome the opportunity to grow in this role and continue shaping the GA’s future.
A key strategic aim of the GA is advocating for school geography, which I am passionate about. As part of my presidential theme ‘geography for everyone’, I visited schools and universities across the UK, raising the profile of geography amongst students and educators. A highlight was coordinating joint fieldwork with primary and secondary pupils using GIS, where specialist support can be limited. Contributing to GA CPD, publications, and the annual conference has strengthened my working knowledge of the organisation and helps me to have an impact as a trustee.
Kate Glanville
Kate is a teacher educator of geography at Birmingham City University, working with primary undergraduate and postgraduate trainees, supporting future teachers.
She is keen to become an elected trustee of the GA to provide a new perspective to the committee, representing a primary viewpoint. She will be a voice for all of the membership, particularly highlighting inclusion and adaptive teaching to support access to geography teaching and opportunities.
Kate has taught in primary and secondary schools, leading geography and working with children with additional needs. She is passionate about fieldwork and local area studies and her doctorate focused on exploring outdoor learning in primary education for children with SEND. She has presented at the last four GA conferences, delivering sessions on supporting children with SEND, multi-sensory approaches and exploring local areas.
Kate has developed her links with the GA through working with SIGs. She is co-chair of the Geographical Education Research Special Interest Group and co-secretary of the Early Years and Primary Phase committee. She has also been a member of the GA’s EDI committee. She is a founder member of and regular contributor to GeogLive!, providing free CPD webinars to an international audience, spreading geographical knowledge, skills and ideas.
Chantal Mayo-Hollaway
I would like to be elected as a trustee for the Geographical Association to give back to an organisation which has been transformative in my 20-year career as a geography educator and Trust-wide lead. The GA is more than a professional body — it is a community where connections spark ideas, voices are platformed, and geography’s potential to change lives is realised.
Through presenting at conferences, contributing to the GA blog, and co-founding the VoicesProject, I have championed inclusive practice, student empowerment, and authentic geographical experiences, something I would continue to promote. My work across a range of schools and trusts, is driven by the belief of geography for all and its place in preparing young people to navigate the challenges their world presents.
I offer experience in educator development, connected geographies, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. I believe passionately that by connecting students with real-world geography and geographers, we secure a vibrant, relevant future for our subject.
As a Trustee, I would work collaboratively, with integrity and enthusiasm, to support the GA’s strategic aims, amplify marginalised voices, and shape a sustainable, inclusive geography education community for the next generation.
Election nomination form
Please note this ballot closed on 6 June 2025.
