Matthew Myatt – General Secretary

Matthew is an instinctive photojournalist and news breaker gifted with a reporter’s nose for a good story, with over 25 years experience in the media industry. He is a fearless interviewer, who does not duck asking awkward questions and is always ready with a follow-up. A highly respected aerial filmmaker and aircraft pilot he is passionate about human rights, mental health, autism awareness, politics, and law; his work as a journalist has made a valuable contribution to many publications and causes throughout the UK. Skilled in picture editing, ENG and streaming live from breaking stories, Matthew takes a particular interest in encouraging transparency in local and regional government and isn’t afraid of posing challenging and penetrating questions to local and national politicians. Appointed Acting General Secretary in 2016, and elected General Secretary of the BAJ in April 2018.

Annette Raitz – BAJ Solicitor/Deputy General Secretary

Annette qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and was in private practice until 1994. She has been a copyright consultant for BAJ since 1995 and more recently has developed her expertise in employment law.  She has helped many BAJ members over the years in claims for compensation for passing off, infringement of copyright in photographs, books, and articles.  In employment law, Annette assists BAJ members faced with discrimination, redundancy, and unfair treatment, with the support of the employment law barristers at Outer Temple Chambers in London.

Jon Bamborough (MBE) – NEC Chairman

Jon was one of the first group of members of the BAJ. He has had a varied career in Catering and Politics interspaced with periods as National Press Officer, freelance work and more recently as Editor of a staff magazine for the DWP. Jon is a regional manager for Musicians Against Homelessness, fronted by Alan McGee from Creation Records. MAH organises concerts and festivals around the UK to help raise funds and awareness for National Homeless charity Crisis. Jon also runs the Blackpool Music Festival, a four-day free festival featuring over 200 bands across 25 venues on the Fylde Coast. Jon was awarded the MBE in recognition of his outstanding work with the homeless.

Andy Jackson – NEC

Andy has been Head of Communications for the United Reformed Church since 2018. He started his career on the Reading Chronicle and after gaining his NCTJ Diploma, worked on national religious magazines and newspapers. Andy moved to specialist business and consumer title publisher Inside Communications (part of the Trinity Mirror Group) before a number of part-time and freelance roles with Hawker Publications, ESA, BIS and others. Andy worked for the charity Christian Aid as a website editor, Digital Content Manager and then as Managing Editor, before becoming Director of Publishing and Communications for the Methodist Church. Andy joined the BAJ in 1996.