The Flag Institute Council comprises the President, Trustees and Officers.
Together they manage the Flag Institute in accordance with its Constitution.
- Our President is the ceremonial leader of the Flag Institute, elected by the Trustees.
- The President provides advice and guidance, and attends meetings of the Council and of the Trustees.
- Our Trustees manage the Flag Institute.
- Each Trustee serves a three-year term, resigning in rotation to ensure continuity, and can stand for re-election.
- Our Officers are responsible for day-to-day operations.
- Each officer is appointed by the Trustees, who can also serve as an Officer.
The members of the Flag Institute Council for 2024–25 are:
Malcolm Farrow OBE FF FFI
President
Malcolm’s interest in vexillology began early in his naval career, developing further when he became a signals officer with responsibility for flags. Malcolm started to record British ensigns, producing a list that many years later became The Colours of the Fleet. Malcolm is an adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Heritage. He also played a key role in ensuring that the UK national flag flies daily on public buildings in London.
John Hall FF FFI
Chairman
John is an Anglican clergyman who worked previously for a couple of leading UK flag manufacturers. His enthusiasm for flags was first sparked in infants’ school, where his headmaster – an avid vexillologist – had installed a flagpole in the grounds. John now focuses on historical, national, and rank and positional flags, with a collection over 400 strong. They fly at his home in Northamptonshire – arguably the only vicarage in England equipped with the flag of the deputy defence minister of the former German Democratic Republic!
Trustee: 2024–27
Leigh Wetherall FF
Chief Executive
As a child growing up by the Lincolnshire coast, Leigh viewed flags as a window into a country and its history. Leigh’s professional career lies in fundraising and working for non-profit organisations. He joined the Flag Institute in late 2016 and was appointed General Secretary of the memorable 27th International Congress of Vexillology, London (2017). Leigh then became FI Convenor, organising and delivering the FI’s Golden Jubilee events as well as the regular Spring and Winter Conferences held annually at venues across the UK. He is a regular contributor to Flagmaster and a member of its editorial team. Appointed Chief Executive in November 2022, Leigh is an adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Heritage. His current interests lie in the colour symbolism of flags and the message a Pantone can convey.
Graham Bartram FFI FVAST
Chief Vexillologist
Graham interest in flags began as a schoolboy in Ghana but his professional involvement dates from the early 1990s. As a software design engineer, he decided to tackle the flag images for a projected CD-ROM atlas … and the die was cast! Graham has designed many new flags, most recently for the House of Commons. Other flags include: Tristan da Cunha, UK Border Force, Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant and St Margaret’s, Westminster. He is an adviser on flags and flag protocol to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Heritage, and to the wider UK Government. He edits BR20 Flags of All Nations, the former flag book – now a website – of the UK Ministry of Defence. And since 1999 he has served the Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques (FIAV) as Secretary-General for Congresses.
Trustee: 2024–27
Lesley Ross
General Secretary
Lesley’s interest in flags began when she opened her flagmaking company in 2001. She soon began designing and producing flags for national celebrations. launching her first pattern in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. ‘Let’s fly and use flags to promote celebration, happiness and life,’ is her maxim. She is also keen to promote the adoption of county and community flags across the UK.
Trustee: 2022–25
Philip Tibbetts FF FFI FSAScot
Communities Vexillologist
Philip first developed an interest in the meaning and importance of symbols as a philosophy student at the University of St Andrews. In 2009 he helped to create a tartan and a flag for his home region, the Black Country. And as Communities vexillologist he has since helped over 50 communities across the UK – from villages to regions over a million strong – to produce their own flag. Beyond his work in local engagement and graphic design, Philip conducts vexillological research and has published an article on the history of county emblems. In September 2021 he was appointed to the Court of the Lord Lyon as March Pursuivant Extraordinary, and he is also an adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Heritage.
Trustee: 2023–26
Roger Ourset
Roger holds a Master’s degree in Management and enjoyed a long career as a university professor and business consultant in International Marketing. He taught in France, UK, Germany and several Middle Eastern and African countries, and spent 12 years in Lebanon as Dean of the ESA Business School. Roger has a long-standing interest in flags and has authored papers about the use of vexillology in international advertising. He is a tireless traveller and loves to photograph flags flying all over the world. He is a specialist in national anthems and their links with flags, and he is also a member of the Société Française de Vexillologie.
Trustee: 2023–26
Jonathan Jarrett
Jonathan studied Chemistry at the University of Manchester, earning a Master’s degree in 2019. His professional journey began in software testing, where he gained experience in ensuring the quality and functionality of software applications. He later transitioned into software development, primarily as a ‘back-end’ developer. Jonathan is fascinated by the history and evolution of flags and captivated by their symbolism and cultural significance, especially in historical contexts. More recently, he has developed a particular interest in the UK’s county flags, appreciating their unique designs and the stories they tell about local identity, and looks forward to learning more. Inspired by its dedication to promoting vexillological education and awareness, he is eager to contribute his expertise to the Flag Institute and grateful for the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees.
Trustee: 2024–27
Officers 2024–25
John Ford (Correspondence Secretary); Andrew Kayley (Treasurer); Jos Poels FF (Editor-in-Chief, Flagmaster); Ian Sumner FF FFI (Librarian)
