BCSE director to step down -- statement from chair and director

The BCSE has confirmed that the organisation's director, Ty Goddard, has decided to leave the organisation.

BCSE chair Rachel Jones said:

"Ty made it clear prior to my becoming chair that he felt it was time for him to move on after founding the organisation and running it for five years. This was confirmed at a board meeting earlier this month, and we have begun the process of recruiting a new director for the organisation. Ty will stay for a handover and help with a smooth transition for the new director.

"I would like to pay tribute to Ty's tenure. His passion and commitment in founding the organisation, and steering it to its current position, has made a significant and lasting impact on the policy and practice of the design and construction of learning environments."

BCSE directorTy Goddard added:

"So much has been achieved and my heartfelt thanks goes to all those organisations and individuals that have supported this pioneering charity and membership body.

"It's been an honour to work for the organisation. I want to give particular credit to the dynamic staff team and board of trustees that have ensured that the BCSE has become a leading and authoritative voice in the sector."

For further information, please contact Ben Furner on 07946 355795.

Letter to Members

Dear Colleague

I am writing to all members of the British Council for School Environments on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

On the 8th June 2011 at a Board meeting held in Manchester, the Founding Director of the BCSE, Ty Goddard, outlined his intention to leave the organisation. Board members expressed appreciation for the verve and professionalism displayed by the Director, Associate Director and staff team at this time and outlined the importance of a smooth transition.

Prior to my recruitment as Chair I was made aware of Ty's long-term intention to move on from the organisation and thank him personally for ensuring that I was able to settle into my role in order to best manage this transition successfully.

The BCSE itself is now five -- with a new Board of Trustees and a new office. As the landscape of our professional lives is changing, the independence and integrity of the BCSE is worth celebrating. Ty's contribution is clearly evident and the Board will ensure that foundations are built upon and developed.

The post of Director of the BCSE will be advertised next week with interviews scheduled for late July. We don't yet have a departure date for Ty -- this will be discussed pending the recruitment of his successor, but is likely to be by the end of this year. I have asked him to be available to work directly with the new post holder as part of the handover process.

Details of the post will also be on the BCSE website.

This week we came together to celebrate the 'Best of British' schools awards and the fifth birthday of the British Council for School Environments. We've done a lot, and yet there is inevitably more to do. We relish this challenge.

Our thanks go to Ty for his vision and energy over the last five years. His passion and commitment in founding the organisation, and steering it to its current position, has made a significant and lasting impact on the policy and practice of the design and construction of learning environments.

The Trustees and I look forward to continuing to work with you, and all those concerned about the design and construction of our schools, as we build on that work.

Yours sincerely

Rachel Jones
Chair
BCSE