Introducing Our 2025 Churchill Fellows
We’re excited to introduce our 118 exceptional new Churchill Fellows for 2025.
Churchill Fellows work on the frontline of today’s crucial issues, developing new solutions based on global research and personal expertise. In this section you can find their latest views and advice, news, activities and events.
To connect with a Fellow, please go to their Profile page. To find related content, click the tag under each item below. To receive regular blogs and news, sign up at the foot of this page.
If you are a Fellow and would like to send us material for this section, please email digital@churchillfellowship.org to discuss what you have in mind.
We’re excited to introduce our 118 exceptional new Churchill Fellows for 2025.
We’re excited to introduce our 118 exceptional new Churchill Fellows for 2025.
Patrick Vernon marked Windrush Day with a tribute at Hackney Council’s official event, where he led a one-minute silence in memory of the Windrush Pioneers. He also wrote a powerful reflection for Windrush100.
By Patrick Vernon, 25 June 2025
Leisa Nichols-Drew (CF 2018) was recently cited in Parliament by Andy Slaughter MP, who introduced amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill addressing the sale and delivery of pointed knives. She also joined Southport attack survivor Leanne Lucas at the launch of the Let’s Be Blunt campaign at Parliament.
By Leisa Nichols-Drew, 20 June 2025
We’re hiring a Research & Engagement Manager (12-month maternity cover) to lead the delivery of strategic Fellowship programmes and sector engagement across four of our core themes. Apply by Friday, 4 July at midnight.
Sue Sharples travelled to the USA and Canada to explore new approaches to preventing sexual harm among adults with a learning disability – including linking self-advocacy skills to sexual rights education and using trauma-informed practice. Since returning, she has co-authored a training pack for social care staff and worked with learning disabled colleagues in Lancashire to develop a new sexual self-advocacy resource. Grounded in the belief that people should be their own first line of defence, it’s already helping people feel safer, better informed, and more in control.
By Sue Sharples, 19 June 2025
I grew up without the words to talk about suicide – and didn’t speak about my own bereavement until my forties. My Fellowship set me on a path to change that, taking me to India and Canada to explore suicide prevention in communities like my own. Since then, I’ve joined a global network of preventionists, trained in early intervention, and started sharing what I’ve learned – from working with therapists to leading workshops with young people to help open up conversations.
By Anoo Bhalay, 19 June 2025
We’re delighted to share recent updates from our Advisory Council. We celebrate Professor Andrew Rowland OBE, recognised for his services to safeguarding and the protection of children’s rights and welcome new member Lindsay Graham, a 2014 Churchill Fellow with a wealth of experience in social justice and food insecurity.
We're proud to celebrate the Churchill Fellows who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for their exceptional contributions to their fields.
Savannah Fishel spoke at two events, sharing insights from her Churchill Fellowship exploring intergenerational living.
By Savannah Fishel, 12 June 2025
Michael Jones (CF 2015) hosted the Europe session of the UN–Oxford University Global Youth Climate Summit, part of the international "Right Here Right Now" climate event.
By Michael Jones, 10 June 2025
Michael Jones (CF 2015) hosted the Europe session of the UN–Oxford University Global Youth Climate Summit, part of the international "Right Here Right Now" climate event.
By Michael Jones, 10 June 2025