English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Category: Board of Trustees

  • Rosamund Comins (1926-2026)

    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.

  • Updates to ESB International’s Board of Trustees

    We are pleased to share some recent updates to our Board of Trustees. These changes bring fresh leadership and expertise, while also celebrating the ongoing dedication of those volunteers continuing in their roles. 

    Welcoming our new Chair

    Dr Jim McAtear has been appointed as Chair of Trustees, having previously served as Honorary Treasurer. Jim brings extensive experience in education and leadership, including his role as CEO of the Hartismere Family of Schools, where he led Hartismere to become the first Academy in the country and achieve consistent “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings, and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Jim’s leadership and wealth of experience will serve ESB International well in the coming years. 

    Thank you to Sami Mirza

    We extend our sincere thanks to Sami Mirza, who has completed his term as Chair. His leadership has been hugely valued, and as he is stepping down as a Trustee after our October Board Meeting we would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution to the Board of Trustees. 

    New Vice Chair

    We are also pleased to confirm that Jason Vit has been appointed as our new Vice Chair of Trustees. Jason has built his career in the educational charity sector, focusing on communication and literacy. He now leads a nationwide network of literacy programmes through the National Literacy Trust. His experience in improving social mobility through literacy is closely aligned with ESB International’s values.  

    We would like to thank Frances Richardson, for her term as Vice Chair. Frances remains on the Board, continuing to share her wide-ranging expertise in strategic planning and leadership gained through her senior roles at RoSPA and her work in the arts. 

    Damian Low becomes Honorary Treasurer

    Damian Low has resumed Dr Jim McAtear’s former responsibilities as Honorary Treasurer. Damian is a strategy consultant who has advised global organisations such as Meta, Netflix, Shell, and Google. Damian’s strategic thinking is a great asset to the Board. 

    Thank you and best wishes to Simren Priestley

    We bid farewell to Simren Priestley, who has stepped down from the Board. We are very grateful for the time and energy she dedicated to ESB International during her tenure as Trustee and wish her every success in the future. 

    Welcoming Edward May

    A photograph of Trustee, Edward May.

    Finally, we are delighted to welcome Edward May as the newest member of our Board of Trustees. Edward co-founded the Community Academies Trust and has held senior leadership positions across both primary and secondary education. He has also contributed to national educational initiatives, written for leading publications, and currently runs his own education consultancy while supporting a number of education charities. His expertise and passion for education will be an excellent addition to the Board. 

    Looking ahead

    These changes ensure that our Board remains strong, diverse, and well-placed to guide ESB International in the years ahead as we onboard a new CEO in January. We are grateful to all our Trustees—past and present—for their commitment, given on a voluntary basis, for the wealth of experience and oversight they bring to ESB International.