Agenda item

To appoint a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

The Town Clerk confirmed that the immediate past Chairman had indicated his intention to exercise his right, under Standing Order 30 (3)(a) to stand as Deputy Chairman for the ensuing year and therefore an election for this office would not take place.

RESOLVED – That Deputy John Bennett be declared as elected as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors for the ensuing year.

Vote of Thanks to the Past Chairman

The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to Deputy John Bennett, the immediate past Chairman.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

THAT at the conclusion of his three year term of office as Chairman of the

Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, his colleagues

wish to convey to

JOHN BENNETT, DEPUTY

their sincere thanks and appreciation for his energy, enthusiasm and keen interest in the many and varied aspects of the work of the Board and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His leadership, along with his calm and considered approach, has been fundamental to the great success and continued growth of our world class and world leading conservatoire over the period of his Chairmanship, with notable developments over that time in the range and breadth of activity offered by the School.

THE past three years has seen many changes and one of the most significant contributions has been his involvement in the appointment and successful introduction of a new Principal in 2017. Other major initiatives during his Chairmanship period have been the Board’s contributory work on the Culture Mile and the Centre for Music, with closer links with the Barbican Centre, along with the development of a new Strategic Plan. Additionally, during his Chairmanship the School’s teaching was judged as world leading following HEFCE’s Institution Specific Review, resulting in a significant grant to the School.

HIS Chairmanship has also seen the School significantly raise its overseas profile, enhance its prestige and allow it to respond more effectively to the ever-changing environment in the sector, laying very firm foundations for the School to respond to future challenges.

FINALLY, in taking leave of their Chairman, his colleagues wish to thank him

for his invaluable commitment and for the extremely courteous and dignified way he has presided over their deliberations during the past three years. We convey our

good wishes for many more years of health and happiness and are very pleased to note that his considerable knowledge and abilities will again continue to benefit the

School during the coming year.

The Chairman went on to add her personal tribute to the work undertaken by Deputy Bennett.

Deputy Bennett then thanked Members for their kind words.