Update from Jennifer Scott, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
I’m pleased to let you know that, following a rigorous recruitment process, Gavin Calder will be joining Harmeny in April, as the new Chief Executive.
Currently Headteacher at Edinburgh Academy’s Nursery and Junior School, Gavin has been in educational leadership since 1999, with the last 16 years as a Headteacher. He is passionate about sport, music and Outdoor Education and has been the Chair of the Board of Scottish Outdoor Education Centres for a number of years. He is also a board member of the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS) and is familiar with Harmeny’s work through this.
Two of Gavin’s posts have been in schools with boarding facilities. As Deputy Head, he directly ran a residential boarding house. As Head at Lomond School he worked closely with local authorities who placed children from a looked-after background in the boarding house. The boarding facilities in both schools were praised for the high level of care and individual attention by the Care Commission (now the Care Inspectorate).
Throughout his time at Edinburgh Academy Gavin has been Child Protection Coordinator and Safeguarding lead. He has been at the forefront of the sector’s understanding and integration of ever-developing best practice, including those with additional support needs.
Gavin will join Harmeny on 1st April 2024 and will be working closely with Neil Squires, current Chief Executive, during a handover period.
Gavin is very much looking forward to joining Harmeny:
“Throughout my career I have always had the welfare and emotional security of the individual child at the heart of everything I try to do. It is a great privilege to have been given the opportunity to take on the role of CEO of Harmeny Education Trust at this exciting time in the life of the organisation.
I am looking forward to working with the board and the staff team to build on the exceptional legacy of Neil Squires in making Harmeny a place to live and a space to thrive.”
We are very much looking forward to welcoming Gavin to Harmeny in April to continue our commitment to provide children and young people with the love, encouragement and nourishment they need, to grow and reach their potential.
Jennifer is the Chair of Harmeny’s Board of Trustees. Having started her career in teaching, latterly she was responsible for all areas of social work. Jennifer has never lost sight of the importance of education and ensuring children are given the best possible support to ensure they reach their potential. She feels very strongly that children should have a voice and feel listened to.
