National Comms Officer Candidates 2026

We have an incredible FOUR candidates in the running to be your next National Communications Officer. And they’re eager to share their vision for the role and our association.

As part of the application process, each candidate submitted a statement explaining why they’re applying and, most importantly, why they believe they’re the best Tabler for the role. Along with a list of their 5 top achievements in Round Table.

You can read their statements and Top 5 lists below. 

In alphabetical order, your candidates are:

Jonathan Barnes - Whitley Bay Round Table 

Ross Beamish - Cheltenham Round Table 

Reece Coward - Heswall Round Table 

Luke Stott - Lancaster Round Table 

And here are their Statements:

Jonathan Barnes submitted the following:

"Round Table came into my life at a difficult time, and the friendships and sense of belonging I found made a real difference. That’s why I want to give something back and why I believe I would be a strong Communications Officer.

I’m proud of the role I played in re-forming Area 20. After being elected Chair, I worked with Tables across Northumbria to rebuild momentum, strengthen communication and create a shared sense of purpose - work that contributed to Area 20 being selected to host the 2027 Centenary Conference. I’ve shown that you don’t need to be a marketing professional to deliver results; you need energy, curiosity and the willingness to try new things. That approach helped double Whitley Bay’s membership, kick-start Ponteland and build a stronger sense of community across the Area.

If elected, I want to build on the strong foundations we already have. Our Canva templates and brand assets are excellent, and I’d like to expand them and bring everything together into one easy-to-use guide so every Table can find what they need quickly. I also want to tackle WhatsApp burnout by improving how we share information, helping members feel connected rather than overwhelmed.

Externally, we can raise our national and local profile, and I have the drive and contacts to help get Round Table into more public conversations. I’d also like to learn from organisations such as Andy’s Man Club. We are different, but we reach similar demographics, and their rapid growth offers insight that could help us engage more men.

I’m a senior leader in my professional life, and together with my experience in Table, I’m confident in my ability to unite people, communicate clearly and build momentum. I also bring enthusiasm, collaboration and a genuine belief in what Round Table can be."

Jonathan's top 5 achievements are:

1. Re-set up and Elected chair of Area 20

2. Vice Chair of 2027 National Conference

3. Growth of WBRT: more than doubling in 2 years

4. Hosted first Area 20 event, Scavenger Hunt, 25+ attendees

5. Voted into role of Programme Officer two years running

---

Ross Beamish's application statement:

"I have been a member of Round Table for a little over 4 years, and in that time I have had my eyes opened to the great good that Round Table can do for its membership, and for the communities our tables are in. A great deal of this came from interaction with the membership, but also from observing the great social media and PR many of our Tables put out there.

I have run our Table’s (Cheltenham - 170) socials for 3 years, and have helped it achieve significant growth in this period; not just in terms of views and engagement from the general public, but also by encouraging new joiners and boosting recruitment. This is from celebrating what we do, welcoming new joiners, and just being ourselves. It takes a lot of effort, but it is very rewarding, and a great deal of fun.

I am an experienced teacher of Film and Media, and could not only bring technical skills to the role, but those of an educator too. I can help members be better in ways they might not know yet. It’s in my blood to want to help.

I am also a learner, as we all are, and I am always open to new things.

I was honoured to be awarded the 2025-26 Chairman Award, and also the Social Media Award at our National conference – it would give me great pride to be able to repay all of Table for this great honour, by giving service with what skills and knowledge I have to you all. RTBI.

"

Ross's top 5 achievements are:

1. RTBI ‘Club Chairman Of The Year 2026

2. RTBI ‘Social Media Award’ 2026

3. Pulling Cheltenham RT back from collapse in 2025-26

4. Negotiating a new contract with Cheltenham racecourse to secure £50k guaranteed + all profits for the 2025 CRT fireworks display

5. Increasing our social media standing significantly in the time that I have been solely running the socials.

---

Reece Coward submitted this statement:

"While only being in round table for a year, I have got involved straight away. I have jumped straight into meeting new people, doing new things and seeing new places. While being in Round Table the phrase "Do More" started to mean something to me. I had a desire to really do more socially and in my community.

While not having as much experience, I am ready to learn straight away the same way I have by jumping straight into Heswall 557's Chairman role. I want to bring a new perspective into the board. A younger perspective.

Seeing the goal to lower the average age, I think the best person to make an attempt at that should be a younger person.

I have good skills in being organised, planning ahead and good communication. 3 skills that are very important for this role.

Round table is something I am truly passionate about, and I would love the opportunity to do more within it and try my best to spread it to as many people as possible."

Reece's top 5 achievements are:

1. Winning National Young Member of the Year 2026

2. Becoming Heswall 577 Chairman

3. Going to events knowing nobody

4. Doing Santa sleigh and being Santa on my first time

5. Being able to be part of Heswall's revival

---

Luke Stott's application statement:

"I would be a strong candidate for National Communications Officer because communication, engagement and relationship-building are central to both my professional and Tabling life. Round Table has given me friendships, confidence, opportunities and experiences that have genuinely helped me grow as a person. This role would be an opportunity I would be incredibly proud to hold and a meaningful way to give back to an organisation that has had such a positive impact on my life and my personal development.

As Area 34 Chairman, I have worked incredibly hard over the last year to revitalise the Area

through restoring social events, visiting every Table within the Area, strengthening engagement and helping build stronger relationships between members and Tables. The positive feedback I have received from members across the Area is one of the reasons I have chosen to continue in the role for another year.

I currently manage social media for Lancaster 160 and Area 34, helping improve communication, engagement and visibility across both the local and Area level. I have managed Lancaster’s social media throughout a period of significant growth, helping support the Table’s transition from very low membership to a renewed, stronger community and increased engagement. I have previously supported the National Vice President with social media work and successfully managed communications and social media presence during demanding periods such as our charity Santa Sleigh campaign alongside my Tabling experience, I hold a First-Class degree in Creative and Screen Media Production, giving me strong skills in media creation, branding and communication strategy.

Professionally, I lead a Special Educational Needs department within a school, where

communication, organisation and teamwork are essential through planning, meetings and liaising with agencies.

Round Table means a great deal to me, and I would bring energy, creativity, professionalism and dedication to the National Board."

Luke's top 5 achievements are:

1. Area 34 Chairman 25-27.

2. Lancaster & Area 34 Social Media Officer 24-27.

3. Nominated as Area Chair of the Year 25/26.

4. Voted Tabler’s Tabler by Lancaster 160.

5. Created videos for the National VP’s social media.

---

Now you've had a chance to review what all four candidates have to offer, you will need to place your votes before the deadline, which is the 14th June 2026 at 12 pm (Midday). Because we have 4 candidates, Tables will be asked to vote in preferential order for who they would like to be the next Comms Officer for RTBI. Voting for each candidate in order from top to bottom, 1-4. Table Chairman will be sent the login details at the beginning of June by National Secretary Col Devitt. If you do not receive login information, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via secretary@roundtable.org.uk