Article on Dr Wendy Piatt's appointment as Chief Executive of Gresham College

July 17 2020

Wendy Piatt’s appointment in leadership news.

Hunt Scanlon reported on Wendy Piatt’s appointment as Chief Executive of Gresham College, including a quote from the Chair, Loyd Grossman;

“My fellow trustees and I are very excited about these two appointments and feel that Simon and Wendy will bring even more new thinking and dynamism to our venerable, but forward-looking and innovative institution.

With these two senior leaders Gresham College will bring the world’s best thinking to an even wider audience.”

The article also reminded readers of Wild Search’s commitment to its clients and offer to provide pro bono consultation to those facing a challenging time in the current pandemic and economic crisis. Please be in touch if you would like to discuss: info@wildsearch.org.

Ed Barker appointed Head of Policy & External Affairs at the AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation)

July 10 2020

Ed Barker has been appointed Head of Policy & External Affairs at the AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation)

Wild Search is pleased to announce the appointment of Ed Barker as Head of Policy and External Affairs at the AIC. Ed will join the organisation in late August following three years at the National Pig Association as Senior Policy adviser.

There has been good press interest across the agricultural sector including pieces in Pig World and AgriTrade News.

Wild Search were pleased to have worked with the AIC on this important appointment and wish Ed every success in his new role.

Wild Search Education news roundup

Wild Search Education news roundup

30th June 2020

Full time in September?

The Prime Minister announced last week that all pupils can return to full-time education in September. How this can happen will be explained this Thursday, says the FT. They report that measures may include dropping non-core subjects, fines for non-attendance, the establishment of (sometimes quite large) bubbles, staggered school days and dropping social distancing.

However, the feasibility of having all students back in September is being questioned by Steve Chalke, the head of the Oasis chain of Academies, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, education unions and others.

Will Thursday’s announcements be enough to reassure them or will the government need to temper their plans?

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A Turn to Tutoring

Will Orr Ewing celebrates the government’s decision to put forward £350 million for the establishment of a National Tutoring Programme, allowing schools to access subsidised tutoring to help children catch up.

Will is the founder of Keystone Tutors, one of a number of tutoring companies who offered their services for free or at a reduced rate during the pandemic to key workers or those with limited means.

He argues that the DfE should encourage online deliver, a format to which tutors are better accustomed than classroom teachers, so that children in more remote areas are given the same standard. Also, he urges that quality is prioritised, rather than purely children to tutor ratios or number of hours. In addition, integration with existing virtual learning programmes to quickly identify challenging areas for the student would allow for more focused sessions, he suggests.

He notes that it has been 150 years since education became compulsory in this country and wonders whether this turn to tutoring will outlast the corona-related challenges, and as Gavin Williamson suggests could lead to ‘long term reform to the education sector’.  

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University Research Support Package

Low interest loans and government grants will be available to support universities’ research work, Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced on Sunday. These can cover up to 80% of income losses caused by a decline in international students.

There will also be around £200 million in government investment for immediate support and a further £80 million to be distributed by UKRI.

Sharma said “The support we are putting in place will give our world-leading universities a lifeline by protecting jobs to ensure our best minds can continue discovering new innovations that will benefit us all for generations to come.”

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Dr Wendy Piatt to become first ever Chief Executive of Gresham College

June 18 2020

Wendy Piatt announced as the first Chief Executive of Gresham College.

Wild Search is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Wendy Piatt as Chief Executive of Gresham College. Wendy has been an adviser at University College London since 2017 and was inaugural CEO of the Russell Group of Universities. In addition, Wendy has extensive experience in the public sector, having served as adviser to the Secretary of State for Business and Skills and as a senior civil servant in the Cabinet Office, Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit and Department for Education and Skills.

“I am passionate about Gresham College’s time-honoured mission to bring knowledge and understanding to as wide an audience as possible – free of charge. The College has a crucial role to play in reaching out to people of all backgrounds to nurture intellectual curiosity and stimulate a sheer love of learning about ourselves and the world around us.”

WIld Search were pleased to have worked with Loyd Grossman, and the rest of the Council of Gresham College on this important appointment and wish them every success.

Sam Brooke announced as next Chief Executive for the British Society of Plant Breeders.

If you would like to work with Wild Search in building your leadership team, please contact Edward Wild for a discussion ew@wildsearch.org

30th April 2020

Sam Brooke announced as next Chief Executive for the British Society of Plant Breeders.

Wild Search recently completed the search for the new Chief Executive of the British Society of Plant Breeders and wishes Sam Brooke every success in the role.

We have advised a number of trade and membership bodies of leadership and non executive roles, including the Country Land and Business Association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, the Crop Protection Association and the Association of Dental Groups.

Edward Wild, who led the search commented:

“This is an important time for all businesses and the seeds sector is no exception. The role attracted wide interest and a strong shortlist. Sam’s experience of the industry and her enthusiasm will stand her in very good stead to address the challenges and opportunities ahead”.