With great regret and sadness, we have learned of the death of Steve Slater, a key member of the Foundation’s Clerking Team. On behalf of the staff of the Foundation and the governors and staff in the schools where he worked, we extend our sympathy and condolences to Steve’s wife and family.
Steve joined the Foundation in November 2018, initially as Clerk to Five Ways School Governing Body and later taking on the same role for the governors of Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy.
As the Chair of the Five Ways’ Governing Body, I had direct knowledge of his commitment to the job and the quality of his work. The best clerks anticipate the issues likely to arise, alert their Chairs to them, advise the meeting as needed and complete the circle with early and accurate minutes; Steve did all these things outstandingly well.
He brought considerable experience to the role, drawing upon a career background that included experience as a Company Secretary and Chief Accountant and was Trustee of a Pensions’ Fund. He complemented this by being a school governor and an Enterprise Mentor for the Prince’s Trust, bringing to his clerking role a rare breadth of experience. Add to this his great sense of humour, it is little wonder that he was a popular colleague with whom it was a pleasure to work.
Hywel Thomas
Chair of Five Ways and the Foundation Board
