This is a poignant moment in writing my final contribution to Foundation News as I prepare to leave after five-and-a-half rewarding and enjoyable years of working with you all. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to serve alongside you.
Next term, pending the arrival of Sajid Gulzar as the Foundation’s new CEO, the following arrangements will be in place. Greg Langston (Chief Finance Officer) will be Interim CEO and Accounting Officer. He and Sarah Cunningham (Chief People & Systems Officer) will work with the Foundation and Academy Trust Boards to ensure continuity of all strategic and operational matters. Julie Waddington (Director of Education) will take on the responsibility of leading the Cluster Leads.
There have been many memorable moments over the years across our schools, and it would be impossible to name them all. Also, to name some would not do justice to others so I will identify some themes rather than events:
- the devotion of teaching and support staff within our schools and central team to doing their utmost to support our pupils pastorally through direct educational work and the provision of services and leadership
- the many hours of voluntary support from our committed governors at all levels
- the lively, enquiring and openminded pupils within our schools
- the commitment of those within our Foundation to our six values
I am very grateful for the warm welcome that I have received from you all in my travels around Birmingham, getting to know you and the individual identities of the schools. I will leave Birmingham with a profound respect for the city, our Foundation and you, and I wish you all the very best for the future.
