Sir Al Aynsley-Green Kt
In 2000, Sir Al became the first National Clinical Director for Children in the Department of Health, where he championed the need for children to be represented at every level of health policy. In 2005, he was appointed the first Children’s Commissioner for England, establishing the role as a powerful, independent voice for children’s rights. During his tenure, he led national work on bullying, safeguarding, inequality and the lived experiences of vulnerable children, ensuring their voices were heard at the highest levels of government.
Sir Al has also served as President of the British Medical Association (2015–2016) and has been honoured with numerous awards, including the prestigious James Spence Medal, the highest honour in UK paediatrics. His influence extends internationally through his work with governments, NGOs, universities and health systems, where he continues to advocate for compassionate care, social justice and the protection of childhood.
A prolific writer and speaker, Sir Al is the author of The British Betrayal of Childhood, a powerful examination of how political, social and economic decisions shape children’s lives. His work spans key themes including compassion in healthcare, class inequality, bereavement and the science of effective advocacy. He continues to lecture widely, including delivering the 2024 Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Christmas Lecture on restoring compassion in healthcare.
Today, Sir Al works independently through research, writing, consultancy and public speaking, using his expertise to champion the best interests of children, young people and families. His philosophy is grounded in a simple but profound belief: a society reveals its soul in how it treats its children.
As an advisor to Rare4Schools, Sir Al brings unparalleled expertise in child health, children’s rights and compassionate advocacy. His decades of leadership across medicine, policy and public service strengthen the charity’s mission to ensure that children with rare diseases are understood, protected and fully supported in education. His guidance helps shape a framework rooted in dignity, humanity and the belief that every child deserves to flourish.
Professor Sir Al Aynsley‑Green Kt is one of the world’s most influential voices on childhood, children’s rights and child health. A paediatric endocrinologist by training and Professor Emeritus of Child Health at University College London, he has spent more than forty years shaping national and international policy for children and young people. Knighted in 2006 for his services to children and young people, Sir Al is recognised globally for his courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to improving childhood in the UK and beyond.
Sir Al’s medical and academic career is distinguished and far‑reaching. He trained at Guy’s Hospital in London before undertaking specialist paediatric endocrinology training at the University Children’s Hospital in Zürich. His academic appointments include serving as James Spence Professor of Child Health at Newcastle University, Nuffield Professor of Child Health at the Institute of Child Health and Director of Clinical Research and Development at Great Ormond Street Hospital. His research into insulin secretion and paediatric endocrinology has shaped clinical understanding and informed practice across generations of clinicians.
Steven Baker, OBE
Steven Baker OBE is an internationally respected education leader, author and advocate for compassionate, trauma‑informed practice. He is the Chief Executive Officer of The People’s Learning Trust, a pioneering Multi‑Academy Trust established in 2024 following the conversion of Everton Free School and Football College. It is the only Multi‑Academy Trust in the country supported by a Premier League football club, with a mission rooted in inclusivity, collaboration and innovation to ensure that students, staff and communities thrive together.
With a career spanning several decades, Steven has led numerous schools to achieve Outstanding Ofsted ratings, gaining national and international recognition for his
transformative impact on young people, particularly those who have been excluded or disengaged from mainstream education. His leadership is characterised by relational practice, high expectations and a deep belief in the potential of every learner. Under his guidance, schools have become known for fostering resilience, responsibility and self‑belief, enabling students to re‑engage with learning and excel both academically and personally.
Steven is also a celebrated author. His influential book, A School Without Sanctions (Bloomsbury, 2020), offers a groundbreaking alternative to traditional behaviour management, advocating for empathy, authentic praise and strong relationships over punitive systems. The book has shaped practice across the UK and internationally, praised for its practical strategies and reflective insights that help educators create safe, nurturing environments for all learners.
Beyond school leadership, Steven has contributed extensively to national education and justice initiatives. As a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, he has championed evidence‑informed practice across the profession. He has collaborated with the Ministry of Justice, working in youth and adult establishments to develop cultures of rehabilitation and relational practice. His experience as an Ofsted Inspector further strengthened his expertise in school improvement, accountability and system‑level change.
Steven’s schools have received multiple awards for innovative and collaborative approaches, including recognition from the Department for Education for excellence in mental health practice. His commitment to celebrating excellence extends to his role as a lead judge for the Pearson National Teaching Awards, where he helps highlight outstanding contributions across the education sector.
His influence also reaches beyond formal education. Steven co‑designed the Cradle to Career initiative in North Birkenhead; a place‑based programme tackling deprivation and improving outcomes for children and families through long‑term, community‑driven change. This work reflects his belief that education, wellbeing and community development must be interconnected to create lasting impact.
As an advisor to Rare4Schools, Steven brings unparalleled expertise in relational leadership, trauma‑informed practice, and inclusive education. His decades of experience working with vulnerable young people, combined with his national influence and commitment to compassionate practice, strengthen the charity’s mission to ensure that children with rare diseases are understood, supported and able to thrive in education.