Dr Ruth Barnes
Ruth joined the Family Kids & Youth team in 2026, having completed her PhD at the University of Edinburgh, where her research focused on children’s wellbeing, agency and consent in competitive sport. Before that Ruth worked at Coram International for 13 years, where she progressed to Head of International Programmes, focusing on children’s rights, working with organisations including UNICEF, Save the Children and Plan International. As mum to 3 children aged under 13, she has first-hand experience of parenting. Ruth is also lead trustee for safeguarding at Herts Young Homeless, a charity focusing on youth homelessness.
