The London School of Economics

The London School of Economics and Political Science continues to play an important role in my life. As a student I benefited from exposure to a diverse and international student body. As an academic publisher I had the pleasure of interacting with the faculty as a supporter of innovative research and unorthodox ideas.

During 2000/2001, as a Visiting Fellow at the LSE’s Centre for Civil Society, I was presented with the opportunity to reflect on the position of global philanthropy and its role in funding global civil society.

Taking a comparative perspective on how the not-for profit sector operates and relates to business and government I published ‘Funding Global Civil Society’ published in Global Civil Society: A Yearbook, Oxford University Press, 2001. I also drew on my field work experiences and wrote 'The Role of Foundations in the Transition Process in Central and Eastern Europe' published in Foundations in Europe, Bertelsmann Foundation, 2001.

Frances with Bill Clinton at the LSE

In 2006 I was again invited back to the LSE, this time as a Visiting Fellow at the LSE Global Governance. I worked with former Reuters journalist Marcus Ferrar on a book concerning Hungary in Europe called The Budapest House, and have written about Creative Commons in a volume of The Cultures and Globalization Series.

In 2012 I ran a research project in the area of intellectual property rights and civil society, funded by the Leverhulme Trust after having run a project on alternative licensing practices in African countries, funded by IDRC, Canada.

In 2018 I returned to the LSE to work on a long-held interest in the history and social significance of book-burning. And in 2022 – 25 I was a visiting senior fellow at IDEAS LSE.

International House

International House front entrance CC BY-SA 4.0

International House Trust is a leader in the field of language education and are owners of one of the world’s most prestigious and successful language schools in London. The Trust are also co-owners of International House World Organisation Ltd – a network of 160 affiliated language schools in over 50 countries.

With Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 2003

Founded by John Haycraft International House pioneered innovative new methodologies in the teaching of languages. The promotion of international understanding through improved language skills has been the mission of International House throughout its life.

As CEO of International House Trust Ltd I oversaw a major management restructuring of the organisation. I also located and secured new premises for the London School, a 36,000 sq ft building in Covent Garden, as well as the financing for the project.

Over the years I have been engaged in numerous professional activities. Some are mentioned below. I've been an invited speaker at numerous international book trade and library conferences, and have provided training workshops on publishing.

 

Selected Professional Activities

• British International Studies Association – Honorary VP
• Bertelsmann Foundation, International Network for Strategic Philanthropy – Member
• Open Society Institute Information Sub-Board – Member
• OSI Library Board – Member
• British Council, Publishers Advisory Committee – Member
• Independent Publishers Guild – Chair
• Publishers Association – Council member
• MARC Users Group – PA representative
• Foundation for the Support of Culture, Education and Information (Russia) Director
• World Bank – Consultant
• LOGOS Editorial Board Member
• International Communications Forum – VP Europe
• Groundbreakers – Member
• REDRESS – Trustee
• ICE & FIRE – Trustee
• Libra Books, Budapest – Founder and Director
• Berghahn Books, Australian National University Press, University of London Press, Wits University Press – Advisory Board Member

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