We’re so excited to share that Tales Toolkit now has an Advisory Board!

As we continue to grow, it feels important to bring together a small group of experienced, passionate professionals who can guide, challenge, and support our work - helping us stay rooted in what matters most: inspiring creativity and empowering educators to inspire lifelong learning through storytelling.

We’re delighted to introduce our Advisory Board members (listed alphabetically):

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Amanda Jones

Amanda is a marketing strategist who believes marketing should move missions forward. She supports purpose-driven organisations to capture hearts, deepen relationships, and elevate their impact through strategic consultancy, training, and mentoring.

She also leads pro bono initiatives through Skilling Time, a content collective that enables professionals to use their skills to support organisations doing good.

Amanda has been part of the Tales Toolkit journey from the very beginning. First introduced through Teach First while working at the Leo Burnett Group, she became a mentor early on and has supported the organisation as it has grown and evolved - championing its mission from the outset. Having believed in the vision from the start, she was a natural choice to join the board. She has worked with a range of purpose-driven organisations, helping them communicate their impact with clarity and confidence.

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‍Gill Budgell

Gill is Director of Frattempo Ltd, an education consultancy specialising in EdTech and publishing. With over 30 years’ experience across teaching, publishing, and research, she brings deep expertise in Early Years and primary English and literacy.

Her work spans phonics, early language, reading and writing, and curriculum design, alongside supporting educators through evidence-based CPD. She has extensive experience in publishing and product development, including research, strategy, and commissioning across a range of educational resources for UK and international markets.

Gill is also an award-winning author and industry awards judge, contributing to panels such as the Educational Resource Awards and BETT Awards. She serves as a governor and trustee within education, bringing a valuable blend of classroom insight, commercial understanding, and strategic expertise.

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Julika Niehaus

Julika is a strategic leader dedicated to systems change and education transformation. With over 20 years’ experience across social justice and strategic philanthropy, she specialises in identifying the levers within complex systems that unlock better outcomes for children and young people.

She brings extensive expertise in strategic grant-making, having led strategy and investment at Impact on Urban Health, with a focus on early intervention and mental health. Alongside this, she is an experienced advocate and influencer, contributing to national policy conversations.

Julika served as an Expert Play Commissioner for the Centre for Young Lives, where she played a key role in influencing government investment in play. She is also an Associate Governor in Hackney, reflecting her commitment to creating equitable, nurturing learning environments that prioritise connection, play, and critical thinking.

We feel incredibly lucky to have Amanda, Gill, and Julika alongside us. Their insight, experience, and thoughtful challenge will play an important role as Tales Toolkit continues to grow, innovate, and support educators and children everywhere.