Our people
PrincipalsDr Neil James is Plain English Foundation's executive director and has trained over 2,000 workplace professionals. He was a communications |
Let us not shrink from using the short, expressive phrase, even if it is conversational. Winston Churchill |
Dr Peta Spear is our managing director. She has extensive experience in plain English editing and instructional design. Peta began her career working in the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Australian Film Commission. She has published several books and has a doctorate in writing from the University of Western Sydney.
Training team
Michael Bence has taught business English internationally, as well as working as an academic manager. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Professor Peter Butt was a professor of law at the University of Sydney and founding director of the Centre for Plain Legal Language at that university. He has many years experience in teaching and legal practice. Peter is well known for his publications, which include Modern Legal Drafting, Land Law and the Australian Legal Dictionary.
Greg Moriarty is the Foundation’s training team leader. Greg has extensive teaching experience, which includes delivering nationally recognised business training. He has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University, and a Diploma of Training and Assessment. He also completed the College of Law’s legal practice course.
Meredith Thumann has experience in the international corporate training sector. She is completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney. Meredith also has a Communication and Language Trainer Certificate (Corporate).
Editing team
Justine Cooper is our editing coordinator. She is a specialist technical editor, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Book Editing and Publishing from Macleay College and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English from the University of Sydney. Justine was previously a content developer at the British Standards Institution.
Angela Michaelis has worked as an editor in media and communications, winning a literacy year award medal for her work. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Linguistics and Mass Communication and a Postgraduate Certificate in Editing from Macquarie University. She was a reporter and language expert for ABC Radio.
Corporate services team
Marion Chapman is the Foundation’s office coordinator. She has a Master of Art from the University of NSW and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Sydney. Marion has experience in corporate training, office administration, legal editing and adult education.
Glenn James is the Foundation’s finance and operations manager. He has a Masters in Finance from the University of New South Wales. Glenn has experience in banking and finance, IT and business analysis, credit and lending administration, and international trade and commerce.
Brendan O'Reilly is the Foundation’s IT coordinator. He is finishing his Bachelor of Communication at the University of Western Sydney and previously worked in IT Support at the Centre for Cultural Research there. Brendan has experience in web development, design and IT.
Domenico Perri is the Foundation's creative coordinator. He is finishing his Bachelor of Design at the University of Western Sydney and is responsible for the Foundation's visual design and website activities. Domenico previously worked as a consultant in the fields of graphic design, web mastering and IT.