Farewell and thank you to Roz, warm welcome to Gill, Karen and Polly!
After 9 years, we are saying a very fond farewell and a huge thank you to our outgoing Chair of FarmAbility Trustees, Roz Warren. Following a round of recruitment earlier this year, we are very pleased to welcome three new Trustees to FarmAbility’s Board: Gill Turner Lay (our new incoming Chair), Karen Steinhardt and Polly Bishop.
Roz joined the FarmAbility Board of Trustees in 2017, becoming Chair of Trustees soon after, with a background in agricultural economics, consultancy and charity mentoring.
Roz says: “It has been such a privilege to serve as Chair of FarmAbility. It is the friendliest, most “can do” place I have come across. The team is full of creativity, kindness, common sense and dedication. Above all, the number one aim is that every co-farmer has a happy and fulfilling time while they are with us.
With this as context, being Chair has been relatively easy. I’ve always had complete confidence in our mission and in our team. Good governance is much easier when everyone shares a clear sense of purpose and you trust the people delivering it.
There have certainly been challenges along the way, but what has always impressed me is FarmAbility’s instinct to look for opportunities rather than obstacles.
I have learnt so much from my time at FarmAbility. I’m really going to miss everyone, but I leave with many happy memories, a deep admiration for what this organisation achieves every day, and confidence that its future is in very good hands.”
And a few words about Roz from her fellow Trustees and FarmAbility employees, past and present.
Dr Judith Samuel, a current Trustee, and Richard Brooks, former Chair of the Board of Trustees and current volunteer, said:
“Roz has guided us to a stronger place, constantly optimistic and confident but realistic about the challenges. FarmAbility has transformed and grown under her tenure. Roz leaves her term of office with it flourishing! She will be greatly missed.”
Sarah Giles, former Director of FarmAbility, said:
My overriding memory of working with Roz (a full 6 years ago now) was how very much I enjoyed and appreciated her blending of a steely eye for detail and rigorous focus, with an equally perceptive eye for finding the funny side. Roz brought energy and clarity to her role as Trustee, and we were never in doubt as to her level of commitment to the role and her willingness to put in the significant time and effort that the role required. Thank you and good luck Roz, with whatever comes next!”
And from Coralie Hopwood, CEO of FarmAbility:
“Roz recruited me to the role of CEO and has been a wonderful supporter, mentor, inquisitor and confidant at every step of the way during my time in the post so far. I am excited to begin working with Gill on the next chapter of FarmAbility and the opportunities ahead.”
With backgrounds in leadership, environmental research, clinical psychology and fundraising, we are delighted to welcome to the FarmAbility Board: Gill Turner Lay, as our new incoming Chair, Karen Steinhardt and Polly Bishop.
Gill, who is Chief Operating Officer at UKCEH and has extensive experience in operational leadership, organisational change, governance, workforce strategy, and stakeholder engagement, says
“I am delighted to be joining the Board of FarmAbility and look forward to continuing to build on everything Roz and the Board have done. I am excited to be working with Coralie and team who are so committed and passionate about continuing the success of FarmAbility.”
Thank you to all of our Trustees for giving up your time to share your lived experience, expertise and advice to guide FarmAbility. To read more about each of our Trustees, please visit our Trustees page.