The Solution

After a considered search, Professor Sir David Eastwood was appointed as the new Chair.

Sir David brings a high-profile background in education, most recently as Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. Sir David has also held the posts of Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Board and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University. He was Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), and former posts include Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia and Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Board.

Sir David is also Chair of Into Partnerships and a Board member of The Royal Northern College of Music.

Sir David Eastwood commented ‘I was delighted to be approached about this role. My overriding love of education and opportunity for all spans my career and I wanted to join a growing Multi Academy Trust within the Southwest, so I am so pleased to be taking up this role.’  

Vanessa Moon said, ‘In taking on this campaign, we knew that Stephen Parsons was integral to the formation of CST, and so it was really important to bring in a new Chair who had the same values and ethics as Stephen, and someone who relishes and understands the opportunity for education for all in this region’.  

Neil Blundell MA Executive Principal said ‘Vanessa and the team provided us with an excellent well rounded short list of candidates. This new Chair of Trustees is such a crucial one for us and we were delighted with the appointment of Sir David Eastwood. He joins a committed and experienced group of Trustees who work closely with the executive leadership team and add considerable value to all that we do.’

Our Approach

At Moon Executive Search, we have a long-standing track record of successfully delivering on search mandates across the breadth of Board, Governor, Non-Exec and Chair roles within the education sector. This covers Primary and Secondary Education, the FE and HE sector, as well as Universities and Colleges.  

Vanessa Moon Founding Director, and Simon Quinn Director of Search, took on a search to find someone with wide business experience, but most importantly someone with a passion for education and, where possible, networks covering the primary, secondary, further and higher education sectors, as well as community groups and social enterprises. 

We conducted detailed candidate interviews and gave careful consideration to all briefing requirements, prior to selecting our shortlist.

Due to pandemic restrictions, interviews and conversations with the client were all carried out virtually.

We agreed a structured process with CST - following our first stage interview, there was a series of meetings and presentations with the Exec and Trustee Board, with an additional chance to meet on-site to view the operation.   

Stephen Parsons LIB MBE DL, Outgoing Chair said ‘I am so proud of my long-time involvement with Cathedral Schools Trust from its inception to the flourishing organisation that you see today, and it has been such a privilege to have led this journey to date as Chair of a multi-academy trust. Music is a thread that links CST Schools and with our Trail Blazers Schemes, all CST Pupils have the opportunity to make music.  I know we have made a difference to the lives and opportunities of many young people and will continue to do so. I wish CST and the Board continued success going forward.’