Jo O’Driscoll

Jo O’Driscoll

Jo is a public relations and communications consultant with over 20 years’ experience. She has worked for a wide range of organisations including several government departments, regulatory bodies, universities, public sector organisations and major charities including the National Trust and Legacy Trust UK. Jo has an MBA and is a member of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations and the Royal Society for the Arts. She has twin girls aged 7, and is Vice Chair of TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association). Jo has a real passion for the arts and cultural sector and in her spare time enjoys visiting galleries, going to concerts and learning the piano.

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The Board of Trustees

Gavin James

Gavin first encountered orchestral music at age 13 when the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra recorded a performance at his school. He is now a senior civil servant, advising ministers on policy and overseeing infrastructure projects, as well as a Chartered Management Accountant. Gavin also serves as a governor at one of Europe’s largest primary schools. Although he experimented with percussion in his youth, Gavin feels most at home playing guitar—though he still holds a soft spot for orchestral music.

Stevie Higgins

Stevie studied at Oxford University, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio in London and is now a conductor and pianist, working with the UK’s major opera houses including Glyndebourne, ROH, ENO and Scottish Opera. Passionate about music education, he has worked as a performer and conductor with Kidenza since its inception.

Murray Taylor

Murray joined Kidenza’s mission to deliver musical joy and inspiration to schoolkids by joining the Board in 2024. An Australian-qualified corporate and commercial lawyer, he is now based in London and brings 10 years of legal experience to the Board. Outside of the law, he holds associate diploma qualifications in piano and is currently studying to sit his licentiate diploma. Hailing from a deprived area of New South Wales’ mid-north coast, he is a driven supporter of social equity initiatives and a passionate advocate for the arts.