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We are proud to celebrate UKMT’s trustees. Thank you for the time, commitment, and effort you bring to the Trust and for helping us thrive. Our Volunteering Manager, Heather, asked three of our trustees — Geoff, Trish, and Steve — to share what inspires them about UKMT.
What inspired you to become a Trustee for our charity, and how does it connect to the Trust’s mission?
While my initial involvement with the Trust was helping top-performing students, I have come to understand and value the impact of the Trust’s work on the wider maths education community.
What do you think makes our charity’s work stand out in today’s educational landscape?
UKMT is the organisation which provides almost all the in-school maths competitions in this country, and has developed an excellent relationship with teachers. It is also a unique role in organising UK participation in international maths competitions for teenagers.
What have you learned or gained personally or professionally from being a Trustee?
When working with UKMT and the International Mathematical Olympiad, I came to understand that the television programme ‘Yes Minister’ was more a training course than an entertainment.
What inspired you to become a Trustee for our charity, and how does it connect to the Trust’s mission?
I was a volunteer for UKMT while a teacher at school and always enjoyed the individual Challenges, especially the Team Challenges, which enriched my students’ maths education. When I retired from teaching, I wanted to use some of my free time to help the charity.
What do you think makes our charity’s work stand out in today’s educational landscape?
I like the way that UKMT strives to expand and enhance children’s Maths skills beyond the curriculum and shows off the breadth and interest of Maths. The focus of the curriculum allows little room for experiencing the wonder of the subject. I always tried to make maths fun when I was teaching, and I feel that aligns well with the Trust.
What have you learned or gained personally or professionally from being a Trustee?
Lots! It’s kept me in touch with a group of enthusiastic maths educators. Attending a Summer School and invigilating at the International Maths Olympiad have shown me the amazing opportunities offered to very bright young mathematicians. I’ve learnt some interesting maths and played some great new games too.
What inspired you to become a Trustee for our charity, and how does it connect to the Trust’s mission?
My involvement with UKMT began back in 1988 when I started writing problems and marking scripts. Over time, that grew into a deeper commitment, particularly through my work with the Team Maths Challenge, which I’ve overseen for more than 20 years. Becoming a Trustee felt like a natural progression.
What do you think makes our charity’s work stand out in today’s educational landscape?
For me, what makes UKMT unique is the atmosphere it creates around mathematics. At Team Maths Challenge events, there’s always a real buzz — the room is alive with energy as young people work together, racing against the clock to solve tricky problems. You can see their enthusiasm and sense of achievement as they realise just how much they can do with a bit of teamwork and creative thinking.
What have you learned or gained personally or professionally from being a Trustee?
Being a Trustee has given me a much wider perspective on how the Trust operates and how all its activities – from challenges and mentoring to outreach and enrichment – come together to support young mathematicians. It’s been rewarding to play a part in the strategic direction of such a meaningful organisation, while continuing to stay close to the hands-on side through the Team Maths Challenge.
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