Avonbrook undergoes restructuring (UPDATED)
The Avonbrook Board recently agreed that with the charity now well established the Board would benefit from an increased number of voices, as well as an increased range of expertise as the organisation looks to expand over the coming years. Avonbrook intends to become a leader in its field – assisting with teacher training and retention and post-school/vocational training. With this in mind the Board was pleased to welcome three new Trustees.
Simon Kirby has spent the last six years working as Project Development Manager at Akany Avoko Children's Home. Avonbrook has a long and established relationship with Akany Avoko and Simon has been instrumental in its success. He helped set up and facilitate the Trustees’ visit to Madagascar, during which they not only visited Akany Avoko but many other similar projects. Since returning to the UK Simon has consulted Money for Madagascar on their future development and growth.
Avonbrook Chief Executive, Michael Amherst, said of Simon's appointment, 'Simon has extensive knowledge and understanding of the issues faced on the ground in Madagascar, both by international NGOs and by local faith and social organisations. Before, during and after our visit his advice and comments were always honest and helpful - ensuring that we as Trustees got an accurate picture of the situation, not the slant put on it by an hopeful NGO. His recent consultancy for Money for Madagascar demonstrates his vast skills and knowledge base. We are very fortunate to have him join us and advise, not merely in our continuing work in Madagascar but also in our work and relationships with other organisations in general.'
Gordon Hector has recently been appointed Manager of Public Affairs at The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Prior to that, he worked at Fishburn Hedges, a communications agency. Michael said, 'During his time at Fishburn Hedges Gordon worked with many organisations in both the public and third sector. Now at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, he takes his considerable experience to one of the most respected social policy research charities in the world. As we look to both define Avonbrook's unique role in a very crowded sector, as well as expand our work and take it further, Gordon's many skills will be vital in informing and guiding the Board through the many choices and opportunities ahead of us.'
Finally, since our original press release, Avonbrook are also pleased to promote Simon Heawood from Associate to Trustee. Simon currently works at management consultants Oliver Wyman, He has also worked as a volunteer for the Venture Partnership Foundation, an organisation that fosters social enerprise through investment and advisory work. VPF began work with Avonbrook partner PEAS in 2010. 'I'm immensely pleased that Simon has also joined our Board,' says Michael. 'His corporate experience combined with a long standing devotion to charitable enterprise means that he will be able to advise Avonbrook on successfully working with other organisations and sourcing funding in future. His recruitment is the final piece in the jigsaw in terms of us strengthening the Board through the appointment of trustees who compliment the Board's existing skills.'
Further changes have also been made to the Board and its governance. Jenny Donnellan has now become Secretary, supporting the Chief Executive in the day to day running of the charity. The CEO has also expressed his desire to increase the role of Avonbrook's Chairman, David Maddock. The Board also hopes to appoint a Treasurer in future.
Finally, Avonbrook has recently moved offices and as a result our registered address has changed. All those contacting us are advised, where possible, to use email. However, if you need to contact us by regular post then please use the address below:
Avonbrook Projects Abroad19, Cranfield House
London WC1B 4HH