The Pioneer Academy

The Members of The Pioneer Academy are:

Richard Kellaway - Richard was commissioned as an Officer of Customs and Excise in 1966 and enjoyed 33 years service with HM Customs and Excise. He specialised in investigation work but held other senior positions in the Department including Chief Staff Inspector, Head of Bermuda Customs and Head of Security and Estates. His final post was as Chief Investigation Officer when he headed the National Investigation Service comprising about 2000 people whose principal role was to investigate drug smuggling, tax fraud and money laundering. In 1999 he was appointed the Drugs and Serious Crime adviser to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  In 2000 he was appointed the Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and held that post until his retirement in 2010.

Doug Robinson - Doug is a retired former Senior Civil Servant with extensive experience in finance and planning, accounting operations and production of Statutory Accounts and corporate governance.  Doug has had a long association with The Pioneer Academy, having been the Chair of the Trust Board for a number of years.

Andrew McCormick - Andrew  is a qualified biochemist, with a PhD from The University of Bristol and a background in immunology and biochemistry. He has been a Civil Servant for the past 6 years, currently at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and previously at the Department for Education. He brings extensive knowledge of central Government and policy development, as well as expertise in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

Jo Tanner - Jo began her career as a broadcast journalist before moving into political public relations. Prior to co-founding iNHouse Communications, Jo was the British Chambers of Commerce Media Chief, and returned to politics to mastermind PR for Boris Johnson’s 2008 Mayoral campaign.

Jo focuses on creative campaigns, public affairs, media training and crisis communications for a range of clients from individuals to major corporations. She has advised clients including Willmott Dixon, Starbucks and Diageo, and has personally advised on High Court actions and Public Inquiries. Jo regularly appears on television and radio as a political commentator and often reviews the newspapers for the BBC News Channel. 

John Brown - John is a retired Head Teacher, having worked in Bromley for many years.  He continues to stay involved with education as a consultant for the International Primary Curriculum.