A new Chair of the Governing Body has been selected.
In February, it was announced that Tim Clarke, the Chair of the Independent Schools Governing Body (ISGB) that provides governance oversight to both King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls, was coming towards the end of his term of office. A transparent recruitment process led by RSAcademics ensured a strong shortlist of three candidates for this role of national importance.
We are delighted that Lucy Williams will take over as Chair, following a transition period with Tim during the Autumn Term.
Lucy currently holds a senior position at HSBC plc, where she is Group Head of Conduct, Policy and Whistleblowing. Her extensive career in financial services has also included roles at Prudential plc, Aviva and the Financial Services Authority. Her early career was in government affairs in Brussels.
Like Tim, Lucy is deeply rooted in our city, where she moved with her young family several years ago to take up her position with HSBC. Through her roles as a Board Member for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company, she brings first-hand experience of working with truly global brands that have their home in the West Midlands. Also previously a trustee of the Institute of Business Ethics, Lucy exemplifies the service commitment that is so important to both KES and KEHS.
As we welcome Lucy, we also thank Tim for his exceptional service. A former KES parent, Tim has been an outstanding Chair since 2014. He has brought immense professionalism and passion to the role, driving both schools to reignite their purpose within 21st century Birmingham and to lay firm footings on which we can build our local, national and, indeed, global influence. Tim, who is Chairman of Birmingham Airport and who has extensive experience of multinational businesses in the leisure and retail sectors, brought his tremendous business acumen and outward-focused approach to our governance and his achievements include overseeing the successful AP100 campaign, run by The KES Trust, which achieved a national reputation, leading the independent sector in the provision of means-tested financial support. We are incredibly grateful for Tim’s professional and personal support for Assisted Places to ensure that accessibility remains at the heart of the education we provide.
All those who have been part of the recruitment process, together with the Chief Master, Dr Katy Ricks, are looking forward to working closely with Lucy.
We also look forward to facilitating opportunities during the Autumn Term for our school community to get to know Lucy and also to thank Tim for his much-valued contribution.
