Remembering Rosamund Comins OBE (1927–2026): Former ESB Board Member and Champion of Spoken Communication
English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB International) is saddened to learn of the passing of Rosamund ‘Roz’ Comins OBE, a former Board member, examiner and dedicated advocate for spoken communication, who died in September 2026, aged 99.
Rosamund enjoyed a remarkable career spanning nearly 70 years in voice education, including a 40-year association with English Speaking Board. Her commitment to nurturing confidence, self-expression and effective communication reflected the principles upon which ESB International was founded.
A lasting contribution to English Speaking Board
Beyond her work with ESB International, Rosamund made an exceptional contribution to voice education and vocal health.
In 1993, she founded the Voice Care Network, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting professionals whose work depends upon their voices, including teachers, performers and public speakers.
Her pioneering work helped raise awareness of vocal health and the importance of protecting the voice as a professional resource. In recognition of her services to education, Rosamund was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013.
Her passion for teaching remained undiminished throughout her later years. Remarkably, she delivered her final voice care workshop to trainee teachers in Birmingham in 2015, aged 88.
Remembering Rosamund
Rosamund’s enduring belief in the power of the spoken word continues to resonate with ESB International’s mission today. Her contribution as an educator, examiner and Board member forms part of the organisation’s rich history and its longstanding commitment to recognising and celebrating the voices of learners.
We are grateful to Rosamund’s son, Oliver Comins, for sharing his mother’s story and helping us recognise her remarkable contribution.
Everyone at ESB International extends their sincere condolences to Rosamund’s family, friends and all those whose lives were enriched by her teaching, dedication and enthusiasm.
Rosamund Comins OBE (1927–2026)
For a fuller account of Rosamund’s remarkable life and career, read her obituary in The Guardian, written by her son, Oliver Comins.