--- title: Board date: 2018-03-08T15:14:00+00:00 author: Tim Coysh canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/about-us/who-we-are/board" section: Pages --- Board members are council members who have been appointed the trustees of the Evangelical Alliance. They make sure we remain compliant in all legal and governance issues, monitor our strategic plan and policy, and uphold the values and reputation of the organisation. [ ![Manoj2](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Manoj2](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Manoj2.jpg) Manoj Raithatha Chair of board ](#manoj-raithatha) ![Manoj2](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Manoj2](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Manoj Raithatha #### Chair of board Manoj was raised a Hindu but became a Christian in 2008 and today serves as the Pastor at Pinner Baptist Church. Previously, Manoj has been a secondary school teacher, TV writer and a successful property entrepreneur. At the height of his success in 2005, he began to attract interest from the national press and he seemed to have it all – a booming property company, a picture-book family, and the power to shape his destiny. But then in 2008 his professional and personal worlds were shattered. The financial crisis devastated his business and a sudden illness threatened his son’s life. Manoj’s hollow foundations were exposed and he found himself utterly dependent on the prayers of a Christian couple he had recently met. Following God’s miraculous intervention in his son’s life, Manoj committed his life to Jesus Christ and wholeheartedly serving God’s plans and purposes for the world we live in. In addition to his role at Pinner Baptist Church, Manoj is an advisor to Instant Apostle Publishing House and the Hope 15:13 initiative. [ ![Arlene Small](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Arlene Small](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/arlene-small.jpg) Arlene Small ](#arlene-small) ![Arlene Small](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Arlene Small](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Arlene Small Arlene is a barrister who specialises in family law. Most of the work she does involves advising and assisting those who are experiencing issues within their family relationships. She is also a qualified mediator. Arlene is an active member at Emmanuel Christian Centre (ECC) in Walthamstow. She also volunteers at the 180 Project, a drop-in centre for the homeless, which is run by ECC. [ ![Chloe 1](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Chloe 1](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Chloe-1.jpg) Chloe Swart ](#chloe-swart-1) ![Chloe 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Chloe 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Chloe Swart Chloe is the National Director of Alpha UK. She also leads in her local Church Cornerstone in Swansea and has completed a PhD in theology studying healing miracles in Wales. Chloe is the chair of the Wales advisory group for the Evangelical Alliance. Chloe is married to Russo, a South African who has moved to Swansea to complete his engineering PhD. They got married on the night of lockdown with 2 witnesses and dad marrying them! [ ![Image003](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Image003](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/image003.jpg) Steve James ](#steve-james) ![Image003](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Image003](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Steve James Steve was born of Welsh parents, and was ordained at Holy Trinity Norwich before working in Vancouver, St Andrew’s Bebington, Wirral and recently at Holy Trinity Platt, Manchester until retiring in 2019. He is both a speaker and a musician, leading worship at Keswick and Spring Harvest and producing CD’s . He has been involved in presenting Prom Praise and various BBC services. Platt church is involved in church planting, and the vision is to see the city of Manchester renewed for Christ. He is married to Rachel and they have three adult children. Steve still retains his passion for Welsh rugby! [ ![Tim](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Tim](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/tim_2021-02-18-153712.jpg) Tim Roberts ](#tim-roberts-1) ![Tim](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Tim](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Tim Roberts Nationally Tim serves[AoG GB](https://www.aog.org.uk/) as the Head Coach for ‘C.24’ - the cohort of Ministers in Training being ordained in 2024. [ ![Debbie Pic 2020 1](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Debbie Pic 2020 1](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/368638/Debbie-Pic-2020-1.jpg) Debbie Laycock ](#debbie-laylock) ![Debbie Pic 2020 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Debbie Pic 2020 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Debbie Laycock Debbie Laycock began serving the Lord in her twenties with an evangelistic youth project in inner-city London. She later trained in theology, church leadership and church planting with Ichthus Christian Fellowship where she has worked ever since. She helped to plant an Ichthus congregation in East Greenwich, and now leads the congregation in Forest Hill. She serves on the central Ministry and Management Team of Ichthus, and also the training and conferences teams. She loves to see people rising up in their calling, discovering their gifts and using them to bear fruit for Jesus and His kingdom! Debbie is married to Joe and they have two children. [ ![Alan Wilson](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Alan Wilson](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Alan-Wilson.jpg) Alan Wilson ](#alan-wilson) ![Alan Wilson](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Alan Wilson](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Alan Wilson Alan is a part-time visiting lecturer at several Bible colleges across the British Isles, including at Belfast Bible College and the Irish Bible Institute. Previously he served in pastoral ministry for just over twenty years, most of that time with an international church in French-speaking Switzerland, between Geneva and Lausanne. His doctoral work looked at 'crucible experiences' in the development of Christian leaders and he has recently published his first book, *The Crucible of Leadership* (Instant Apostle), which reflects on several key lessons for leaders, all framed in the story of Moses. He is also the host of ‘The Leadership Journey Podcast’, a series of conversations with leaders and authors around themes of leadership. Alan is married to Pauline, a counsellor and retreat facilitator, and they live 20 miles outside Belfast. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. [ ![Andi Russell](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Andi Russell](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Andi-Russell.jpg) Andi Russell ](#andi-russell) ![Andi Russell](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Andi Russell](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Andi Russell Andi Russell is a PR, communications crisis and media expert working within the media and international NGO sector for over 25 years. In 2010 she and her husband co-founded the public relations agency Jersey Road PR, which now has 19 staff in the UK and Australia working with Christian organisations to raise their voice, profile and influence. Andi has a Masters in Coaching and Mentoring Practice from Oxford Brookes University - and has since launched Alabaster Coaching, which is dedicated to working with Mothers on Probation. Most recently a trustee of urban youth charity XLP, and also of her local church - New Life Church Milton Keynes; Andi also served, alongside her husband, for 8 years as Senior Pastor of Grand Union Vineyard church. Married to Gareth for almost 18 years they live with their daughter and energetic labradoodle in Stony Stratford. [ ![Alan board member](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Alan board member](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Alan-board-member.jpg) Alan McWilliam ](#alan-mcwilliam) ![Alan board member](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Alan board member](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Alan McWilliam Alan is passionate about bringing glory to Jesus, serving his Bride and reaching those who don’t know the good news about Jesus. He believes the church (local and translocal) is the greatest hope of the world and wants to see a vibrant Kingdom expression in every locality and network in Scotland and Ireland. Alan has been an ordained minister in the Church of Scotland since 1993, planting in Whiteinch, Glasgow, before being released to serve the wider church. Through consultancy, training and support Alan works with many denominations, agencies and others to see new church plants and mission projects established. He is also the European Director of Forge, a training and resourcing organisation for new missional expressions of church. He serves on the Boards of Evangelical Alliance (UK), The Light College and Collective and Sound Church (Bath). He is married to Diane, has two sons and is a fervent Glasgow Rangers FC supporter. [ ![Libby Talbot Website 1](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Libby Talbot Website 1](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/LibbyTalbotWebsite-1.jpeg) Libby Talbot ](#libby-talbot) ![Libby Talbot Website 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Libby Talbot Website 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Libby Talbot [ ![Hugh Francis 1](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Hugh Francis 1](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Hugh-Francis-1.webp) Hugh Francis Honorary treasurer ](#hugh-francis) ![Hugh Francis 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Hugh Francis 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Hugh Francis #### Honorary treasurer [ ![Girma 1](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Girma 1](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Girma-1.jpg) Girma Bishaw ](#girma-bishaw) ![Girma 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Girma 1](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Girma Bishaw Rev Dr Girma Bishaw is the director of Gratitude Initiative, a Charity that exists to promote the sharing of gratitude to change the social imagination that leads to relational transformation, a fulfilled self, a sense of belonging, and a harmonious and just society in Britain. He also serves as city Catalyst for the London Project, with a particular focus on serving diaspora church leaders to be more effective in mission. Before founding Gratitude Initiative, Rev Girma served as a pastor at ECFCUK (the Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church (UK). [ ![Ellie](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![Ellie](https://cdn.eauk.org/people/_800x1066_crop_center-center_82_none/Ellie.jpg) Ellie Gage ](#ellie-gage-2) ![Ellie](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ![Ellie](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271%27%20height%3D%271%27%20style%3D%27background%3Atransparent%27%2F%3E) ### Ellie Gage Ellie is the CEO of the charity Kintsugi Hope who train and equip churches to run programmes that support people with their mental and emotional wellbeing. Ellie has a passion for seeing people supported with their full wellbeing - whether emotional, mental, material, spiritual or relational. With over 20 years’ experience of leading in the Christian charity sector, Ellie brings experience of governance and operational delivery with an expertise in people & culture. This is all grounded in her deep Christian faith which informs all that she does.