Voice 21, Britain’s leading oracy charity, today announces the appointment of former Education Secretary, Baroness Estelle Morris, as its new chair.  

Baroness Morris of Yardley brings huge experience of the education sector as a teacher, innovator and government minister, and will add firepower to the charity at a time when oracy continues to rise up the political agenda.  In recent years Baroness Morris has been chair of the Institute for Effective Education at York University, Pro-Chancellor of Sunderland University and is currently chairing the Birmingham Education Partnership.

Voice 21 supports schools to build oracy into the curriculum, teaching and wider school life. Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language and listening. Baroness Morris takes over from Voice 21’s first chair, Sarah David, who has led the Board through these first years of Voice 21’s success and growth. 

With increasing evidence that speaking and listening skills are vital not just in the workplace but for academic success, good mental health and civic engagement, oracy has been championed by both Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson. Voice 21 is working with over a thousand schools this academic year, and has inspired a movement of schools and teachers who are determined that every child will have the oracy education that enables them to use their voice to thrive in school and in life. 

Dr Kate Paradine, CEO of Voice 21, said:

“I am delighted that Estelle is joining Voice 21 as Chair of the Board of Trustees. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise at this important time for oracy in education. I know she will play a vital role in shaping Voice 21’s next strategy and ensuring we stay at the cutting edge of new thinking and practice so that every child has access to the high quality oracy education that enables them to thrive in school and in life”

Baroness Morris of Yardley said:

“I know how important good speaking and listening skills are for social mobility, navigating a complex world and building confidence. For me oracy should be seen as of equal importance to reading, writing and maths. That is why I am so pleased to be joining the great team at Voice 21 and helping it on the next stage of its exciting journey.”  

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