Meet Our Trustees

Writing on the Wall is governed by a diverse Trustee team, made up of highly motivated people from the social economy, secondary education, higher education, private and community sectors. Our Trustees’ range of skills provide a mix of management, literary and creative expertise that supports the growth and development of the organisation.

From L-R: Stuart Borthwick, Lisa McMullan, Penny Feeny, Emy Onuora, Maggie O’Carroll, Sue Oshikanlu. Lloyd Smith.

 

Stuart Borthwick
Chair of Trustees
Stuart Borthwick is a chair of Writing on the Wall, a photographer, writer, DJ and academic professional. He has written three books, Popular Music Genres: An Introduction (with colleague Dr Ron Moy), The Writing on the Wall: A Visual History of Northern Ireland’s Troubles for Bluecoat Press and Positive Vibrations: Politics, Polytricks and the Story of Reggae for Reaktion Books (shortlisted for the Penderyn Prize 2023). He is currently working on a new book on the murals of Northern Ireland.

Lisa McMullan
Trustee
Lisa has been a WoW Trustee since 2019. She has a background in women’s economic development and entrepreneurship. She has experience of working directly with would-be entrepreneurs, small businesses and social enterprise leaders to build entrepreneurial capacity and create value for their communities. Lisa’s work includes designing, developing and delivering innovative and impactful projects that seek to bring meaningful change for individuals, organisations and communities. Based in Liverpool, Lisa works across the region as well as with organisations nationally and internationally to provide quality services and understand their impact.

Penny Feeny
Trustee
Penny Feeny is the author of four contemporary novels, including the best-selling That Summer in Ischia, as well as several award-winning short stories. She has also worked as a CAB adviser, a Radio Merseyside presenter, a copywriter and a freelance editor. She’s been closely involved with community and the arts in Liverpool for many years, and has served on the boards of the Everyman Theatre, Brouhaha International and Liverpool Housing Trust. She has been a judge and editor for WoW’s unique Pulp Idol competition since its inception and is proud to be a Trustee of Writing on the Wall.

Emy Onuora
Trustee
Emy Onuora is Race Equality Project Manager for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, co-author of Great War to Race Riots with Madeline Heneghan, and author of Pitch Black: The Story of Black British Footballers.

Sue Oshikanlu
Trustee
Sue is a newly appointed trustee of Writing on the Wall and a long-standing supporter of its work, bringing strong governance expertise, financial oversight, and a deep commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities. She recently retired from her role as Finance and Compliance Lead within a Liverpool-based domestic abuse service, where she was responsible for the management and accountability of publicly funded programmes. Sue has extensive experience in financial governance, regulatory compliance, and the stewardship of public and charitable funds. Her career has been grounded in advocacy and support for vulnerable groups, particularly women experiencing domestic violence and abuse, giving her valuable insight into the needs of marginalised communities and the importance of inclusive, responsive services. Sue also serves as Chair of The Women’s Organisation, where she provides strategic leadership and governance oversight to an organisation dedicated to women’s economic empowerment.

Lloyd Smith
Trustee
Lloyd is a skilled sound and lighting professional with a strong background in live theatre and events production. A graduate of Bournemouth University with a BA (Hons) in Music & Sound Production, he brings over several years of hands-on experience across a range of respected venues and productions. He currently holds a senior sound and lighting role within the sector, reflecting both his technical expertise and his progression within the industry. His experience includes work with the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool and Liverpool Philharmonic, where he has developed strong capabilities in sound engineering, lighting design, and live show operation across theatre, music, and touring productions. Lloyd demonstrates a clear commitment to the arts and cultural sector through his ongoing work in live performance environments. He is passionate about supporting creative expression and delivering high-quality audience experiences, contributing to the vibrancy and accessibility of the cultural landscape. As a WoW Trustee, he brings valuable industry insight alongside a genuine dedication to the arts.

Maggie O’Carroll
Trustee
As a trustee of Writing on the Wall, Maggie O’Carroll offers robust governance expertise, strategic leadership, and a strong commitment to equity, accountability, and organisational sustainability. A local resident of Liverpool, she brings both deep community connection and a clear understanding of its mission and impact. Maggie has over 30 years’ experience in organisational leadership within the social enterprise and voluntary sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of The Women’s Organisation, she has led the strategic growth of an award-winning charity, supporting women. She brings extensive board-level experience, including Co-Chair of True North and previous service on a Liverpool City Region arts board, contributing to governance, strategic direction, and inclusive cultural development.