A change of Chief Executive

This blog has traced the history of the GA's Governance, including the change to a structure which included a Chief Executive.

A recent important change was announced.

Alan Kinder is stepping down as Chief Executive after 11 years in the role. 

Alan’s last working day at the GA will be Thursday 21 December 2023. Best wishes of course to Alan for his new role, and heartfelt thanks for all that he has achieved in that time. This will be an interesting period for the GA. 

In a recent update in the Newsletter we learned:

Alan will be taking up a new, dual role early in 2024, as Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Studies Association and General Manager of RSA Europe.

During his time at the GA, Alan crafted two strategic plans (covering the periods 2014–19 and 2020–2025), led the successful implementation of the 2014–19 plan and ensured the GA further developed under its current strategic plan. 

This work focused on bringing geography teachers together, meeting their professional needs, raising the profile of the Association and advocating for high-quality geographical education. It underpinned a doubling of GA membership between 2012 and 2023 and significant growth in the number of schools and teachers engaged with the GA, particularly through its professional development events and social media activities.

Alan represented the GA and the interests of the geography teaching community on national and international stages throughout his time in post, providing expert advice to (amongst others) the Department for Education, Ofsted and Ofqual. 

Through his advocacy work and the extensive body of professional advice and support material he authored on behalf of the GA and its partner organisations, Alan exerted a considerable influence on the curriculum and professional practice we see in geography education today. His recent work to develop a GA Framework for the school geography curriculum will continue to shape the nature and scope of the geography curriculum in the years ahead.

GA Chief Executive Alan Kinder said:

“As a former teacher of geography, it has been the most enormous honour and privilege to have served as the GA’s Chief Executive for more than eleven years. This is a vibrant community, supporting a vital part of every young person’s education. 

Teachers of geography deserve the assistance of an independent subject association, focused squarely on their needs and interests, and I hope I have been able to play a role in representing and supporting teachers effectively during my time in post. 

As I begin to prepare for the exciting professional challenges that lie ahead for me, I’m confident that the GA will use its current strategy as a strong foundation for further progress in the years ahead.”

The search for Alan's replacement is underway.

In the meantime, the leadership of the Association will be shared amongst a number of people in important SLT roles at Solly Street along with several prominent volunteers (and former GA Presidents).

Professor Alastair Owens, the Chair of Trustees shared the news on the plans for continuity of leadership.

Interim leadership arrangements

I am delighted to announce that Elaine Anderson (Head of Publishing), Alex Forsyth (Finance and Operations Manager), and Becky Kitchen (Head of Professional Development) have agreed to share the responsibilities of the Chief Executive role until a new Chief Executive is in post. 

I am also pleased to share that John Hopkin, current Honorary Treasurer of the GA and a former President, has agreed to provide mentorship and support of the acting Chief Executive team, ensuring that there is co-ordination of their roles and responsibilities.

I am very grateful to Elaine, Alex and Becky for agreeing to provide leadership and continuity at this time of transition. Collectively they bring a wide range of skills, know the Association very well, and are already focused on the leadership and delivery of our strategic priorities. During their period of leadership any communications for the attention of the Chief Executive should be addressed to ChiefExec@geography.org.uk so that it can be allocated to the individual with relevant responsibilities.

I am also grateful to John who will bring great wisdom and longstanding GA experience to his advisory and mentoring role.

Search for a new Chief Executive

The GA’s Board of Trustees has established a search committee to oversee the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Following a selection process, the committee has recently contracted the recruitment agency Peridot to assist in this process. 

An advertisement and ‘job pack’ are currently being prepared and will be shared shortly; we encourage members to further share this with any individuals they think suited to the role. Please feel free to write to me at a.j.owens@qmul.ac.uk if you have suggestions for candidates. We hope to have the new Chief Executive in post by the summer of next year.

I am grateful to the entire GA community – our members, those who run our committees, special interest groups and branches, the dedicated staff who work in Sheffield, the trustees and our partners and collaborators – for their continued support and commitment during this period of transition. As we approach the end of the year, I wish everyone a restful and happy holiday period.

Prof Alastair Owens - Chair of Trustees, The Geographical Association