Gervase Phinn

Professor Gervase Phinn is a comedian, author, poet, broadcaster, lecturer, educational guru, and after-dinner speaker who is best known for his best-selling series of novels and academic books, short stories, children’s poetry and fiction. Gervase remains well-respected in the field of education blending together tales from his time as school’s inspector and his natural wit, he makes for a charming after-dinner speaker.

Professor Gervase Phinn taught in a range of schools for fourteen years before becoming an education adviser, school inspector and visiting Professor of Education at the University of Teesside. He is a freelance lecturer, broadcaster, comedian, writer and a consultant for the Open University.

Mixing his natural wit with his background in education, he shares poignant tales of his life as a school inspector whilst also entertaining audiences as a raconteur.

In 2005, the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.), was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006, he became President of the School Library Association.

Well-respected in the field of academia, he has published many articles, online excerpts and books, which have received high acclaim and won various industry awards. Alongside his own work, he has edited a wide range of poetry and short story collections. He writes academic literature, autobiographical novels and children’s books.

Gervase also has a large media presence having appeared on a plethora of both television and radio shows, including: The Alan Titchmarsh Show; Good Morning Sunday with Aled Jones; Esther, Midweek; You and Yours; The BBC World Service; The Heaven and Earth Show and The Des O 'Connor Show, to name but a few.

Highly sought after for live events, in 2004 Gervase was awarded the ‘Speaker of the Year Award' from the Association of Speakers' Clubs; an award that cemented his place as a brilliant speaker on the circuit.

In 2018 he received the ‘Yorkshire Legend Award.’ Former President of The School Library Association, he is now and President of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama and is patron of twelve children’s charities.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Honorary Fellow of the English-speaking Board, President, a Fellow of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama and also an Honorary Fellow of Leeds Trinity University College.

Weaving together his natural ability for storytelling, his wit and ability to deliver a touching message, Gervase works as both an education speaker and an after-dinner entertainer.