Chair and Co. Secretary

The Role:

The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust

The Client:

The Client

The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust is a Registered Charity (270059) & Private Company Limited by Guarantee (01227490). The Trust owns and manages the small island of Steep Holm, which is a 63-acre gem with limestone cliffs and caves sitting in the Bristol Channel just off Weston-Super-Mare.

The Island has been inhabited at various times for centuries and is steeped in history and full of hidden surprises. It’s history is told by stories of Celtic gods carved in stone, Vikings and pirates, Monks and Captain Kids Treasure.

Today, the military encampments of the recent past can still to be seen, including the Palmerston Fort readied to repel Napoleon’s planned invasion in the 1860s, a military barracks and a historical museum.

Sandy Hinks, Head of Charity Practice, was appointed to source a Chair and Company Secretary to contribute to the development of this unique and interesting charity.

The Challenge

The Trust sought a Chair who would lead the small group of dedicated Trustees who look after the day-to-day administration of the island, together with a volunteer Island Warden and the help of other volunteers. Their aim is to preserve and enhance the island’s natural beauty and landscape.

The Trust also sought a Company Secretary to support the Chair and ensure the smooth functioning of the Trustee Board Meetings. The Secretary would also be responsible for maintaining effective records and administration as well as upholding the legal requirements of governing documents.

Our Approach

As a nature reserve that accommodates military and archaeological history, The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust and the Island of Steep Holm required specific expertise. Conservation was at the heart of the search, with palaeontology, education, heritage, and ornithology were also important factors when drawing up a shortlist of candidates for the board.

Sandy brought her extensive knowledge and expertise within the third sector to bear from the outset, by carefully considering individuals within her network. Due to the nature of the search, Sandy also explored new networks within the conservation and nature communities.

At the outset, Sandy requested an Expression on Interest from each prospective candidate. She briefed a wide range of candidates on these unique opportunities, interviewing candidates to determine their understanding of the Island and what they could bring to the role. Through these conversations and Sandy’s thorough screening process, she was able to fully assess each candidate’s experience, background and skills against the criteria set by the Board.

Our Outcome

A diverse shortlist of candidates was presented to the board with detailed notes about their individual experiences and skill sets. Due to the strengths of the candidates, the board appointed a Vice-Chair and Trustee as well as the Chair and Company Secretary.

After a comprehensive round of interviews, the board chose Stephen Parker as the Chair.

Stephen brings a 30-year career within conservation working for Natural England and was heavily involved with the Severn Estuary and Bristol as a conservation officer. He is an experienced Chair and Trustee, sitting on local and national charity boards and his strong interest in botany and archaeology, coupled with his knowledge of the islands around the UK (he has visited Steep Holm on several occasions) impressed the board at interview. Stephen understands the challenges Steep Holm has to deal with regards to health and safety, commitments to conservation and will undoubtedly bring much to the role of Chair.

For the role of Vice-Chair, selected Jonathan Hartnell. Jonathan joined the army at 17 for ten years before moving into security, facilities management, and operations. He brings an understanding of charity law, governance, and regulations and has a keen interest in wildlife and military history and being close to his home he takes a keen interest in the island of Steep Holm. The board were impressed with his energy and drive as well as his wide-ranging network.

Tim Illston was appointed as a Trustee due to his strong management, governance and compliance skill set gained from a legal background. Recently Tim was the Honorary Consul for Germany in Bristol and he has a strong interest in history, wildlife, and archaeology, being an active member of several wildlife trusts and history groups.

Evia Soussi was appointed as the Company Secretary due to her background in corporate governance and secretarial practice over the last 25 years. Her ability to lead and manage alongside her obvious drive made her the stand-out candidate for this appointment. It was felt that her commercial experience will help the Board explore and initiate new ways of fundraising to sustain the Trust's objectives and longevity for future generations.

Graham Briscoe, then Interim Chair of the KAMT Charity Trustee Board, said:

‘We chose Moon Executive Search as the Board felt that they demonstrated a clear understanding of our brief and we have been very impressed with their professional approach to this search. Working with Sandy was a pleasure, and she found some brilliant individuals in Stephen, Johnathan, Tim and Evia.
The appointments are absolutely crucial for the long-term efficient running of the nature reserve island and all of the infrastructure on it. The new team members will help preserve the Island and continue Kenneth Allsop’s legacy.’

Sandy Hinks, Head of Charity Practice, commented:

‘The search for The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust was unlike any other that I have carried out. It helped bring light to a fantastic island and I have thoroughly enjoyed speaking to some fantastic and interesting people as part of this search.
I was struck by the genuine passion expressed by so many prospective candidates and I am delighted that the board was able to make four appointments from the work we undertook. I am certain they will bring new ideas and inspire another generation to visit, learn and to explore the Island of Steep Holm.’