Union Chapel Project appoints new Chair and Trustees

2 September 2025

London’s Union Chapel is pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Beech as the new Chair of Trustees of the Union Chapel Project, succeeding Philip Walker, who has stepped down after 22 years of service, along with two new trustees – Neil Ruckman and Cathy Bird.

Founded in 1991, Union Chapel Project (UCP) is a dedicated secular heritage and civic charity established to safeguard, restore, and open up the historic Grade I and II* listed Union Chapel in Islington, North London, as a vibrant centre for music and other arts, heritage, community, and social projects. Union Chapel Congregational Church, while holding its own charitable status, remains a core foundation of the Union Chapel family.

Key responsibilities of Union Chapel Project include:

• Protecting and activating the building.
• Fostering inclusive cultural life.
• Tackling homelessness.
• Ensuring sustainable operation through arts and hospitality services.

Ken Beech brings a wealth of non-executive and trustee experience across the charity, housing and homelessness sectors, underpinned by a strong background in finance and governance. He has held senior roles in both the public and private sectors and is known for his values-driven leadership.

Ken says, ‘I am delighted to become Chair of Union Chapel Project. I was drawn to the organisation’s unique mission, celebrating culture, faith, social justice and local community under one roof. It’s a rare and inspiring place, and Union Chapel Project is committed to the restoration and preservation of this fabulous building.’

‘I’m excited about the future potential of this world-renowned Grade I-listed arts venue, church and community space. With the upcoming reopening of our Sunday School building in 2026 and the Chapel’s 150th anniversary in 2027, there is a huge amount to look forward to. I’d also like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Philip Walker, who, alongside his wife Liz, has been a tireless champion of Union Chapel for more than two decades, guiding it through both challenges and milestones with great integrity.’

Philip Walker says, ‘As the outgoing Chair, I would like to wish my successor, Ken Beech and the revamped Union Chapel Project Board all success in the future. I was appointed Chair back in 2003 and thoroughly enjoyed the role, including all its ups and downs. It was an honour and privilege to be involved with Union Chapel Project for so long and to watch the progression of its staff, directors, and other stakeholders, making the charity so vital in the survival and success of Union Chapel.’

Union Chapel Project has also appointed two new members to its Board of Trustees, Neil Ruckman and Cathy Bird.

Neil Ruckman is an educationalist and storyteller who firmly believes in the power of both arts and education in realising individual and societal potential. He understands the power of good questions to bring about positive change.  

Neil has held senior leadership roles in both secondary and further education and has served as a chair of governors. He is currently a senior examiner in ESOL and a moderator for further and adult education courses, with experience in the special needs education sector. Neil continues to teach Film Studies alongside his educational work and has been both a participant and facilitator at arts festivals in the UK and abroad. Neil has led a school’s theatre company as well as Seeds, an initiative delivering arts projects in churches, schools, and prisons. Neil is also a member of Union Chapel Congregational Church.

Neil says, ‘I am really proud to be joining the Union Chapel Project team and to support the amazing work they do. Union Chapel celebrates the best of the arts, faith and social justice, asks provocative questions through its spoken word events, and supports those who live on the edge of society. It is wonderful to have all these vital projects and strategies under the roof of a beautiful building with such heritage. I am in awe of and thankful for the vision of those who have built all that Union Chapel has become, and I hope now to play some part in continuing to enable and develop the vision of the Union Chapel Project.' 

Cathy Bird is the Minister of Union Chapel, having been appointed in January 2025. Cathy previously worked in social policy and research before being ordained as a Presbyter in the Methodist Church in 1997. She has served her ministry mainly in London, in Tottenham, Kings Cross and Hackney, although she was more recently in Stockport in Greater Manchester. She has a heart for ministry on and with the margins and is the author of The Divine Heart of Darkness, published in 2017. She also serves as a mediation practitioner with Place For Hope and is a supervisor, coach and spiritual director.

Cathy says, ‘It’s an absolute privilege to be invited to serve, not only as the Minister of Union Chapel Congregational Church, but on the Board of the Union Chapel Project. With its wide-ranging work in the fields of social justice, music and spirituality, Union Chapel is perfectly placed to break down the barriers between what is sacred and what is secular, creating a community in which people from all walks of life can feel at home.’