Rachel Brodie joins Bookmark Reading Charity as the new Chair of Trustees

“I am deeply committed to supporting the charity’s vision, and I’m excited to work alongside our outstanding team, trustees, volunteers, partner schools, donors, and supporters to realise our transformational goals. We want every child to read – and I am thrilled to be part of the next chapter of that journey.” 

Rachel brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for education. A driven and trusted senior leader, she has served on the Board of Trustees of Haven House Hospice (a children’s hospice charity) for four years. 

Her career includes significant work in educational publishing and, for the last decade, in large-scale B2B exhibitions and conferences, most recently as Divisional Managing Director at Hyve Group. 

Sharon Pindar, Founder and outgoing Chair of Trustees, remarked: ​“I am so proud to have been part of a charity that was set up to change children’s lives through the joy of reading. I know from personal experience the devastating impact poor literacy can have because my mum couldn’t read. I wanted to support an organisation that was driven to ensure no child had to go through what my mum did. I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. There is still so much more to do, and I therefore remain committed to supporting Bookmark through my new role as Patron.” 

Sharon, who is stepping down after seven years as Chair of Trustees, continued: ​“I am delighted to welcome Rachel to the Board following a thorough search process. I am confident she will provide the Board with strong and effective leadership. Bookmark’s mission is in excellent hands.” 

Emily Jack, CEO of Bookmark, added: ​“I would like to express huge thanks to Sharon on behalf of the whole charity, our partner schools, and most importantly the pupils we support. Without Sharon’s hard work to get Bookmark off the ground, the stories of hundreds of thousands of children would not have been changed for the better. We are very grateful to her for all she has done as Chair of the charity, and we look forward to her now stepping into the role of Bookmark’s first Patron. It is wonderful that Rachel is taking over the reins as Chair – Bookmark will continue to deliver the work highlighted in our three-year strategy under her guidance.” 

Rachel’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bookmark as the organisation works towards its goal of 500,000 children benefitting from a Bookmark programme by July 2027.