So If London Funders Is One of the Best Jobs in London, Why Am I Leaving It?

So if London Funders is one of the best jobs in London, why am I leaving it?

Being Director of London Funders has been the most enjoyable, stimulating and fun role that I have had in my 32 years of working in the voluntary sector, and it is (in my opinion) one of the best jobs in London's civil society.

So why, if it's such a great gig, am I leaving it now?

The simple answer is that "sometimes in life the planets align, everything links up and your timing is perfect." And so it is for me, 54 years after being born in Finchley, and having spent all of that time living and working within the M25, I'm bringing forward my pretirement plans and relocating 250 miles to the original English seaside resort of Scarborough.

As some of you will know Lesley (my partner) & I discovered Scarborough almost by accident about 15 years ago, and started to realise that this could be the place to settle at some point in the future. Two years ago we had opportunity to test out if we could actually live there; and we love it even more now.

And then the fun started......

Just 4 weeks ago, on our most recent visit, the dream property came on the market, located just a few minutes’ walk from the cliffs, beach, station & town centre, yet totally hidden away and with amazing west facing views out to the North Yorkshire moors.

We viewed it on the Friday, put an offer in on the Saturday, had it accepted on the Monday and by Thursday our own house in London was on the market. A week later that had been sold!

So although we are leaving London, London will never leave us. I will be re-entering the consultant/advisor sector, staying actively involved with the work of Toynbee Hall where I am a trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee and, as I said to my Board, my networks radiate out from London so they (you) have not seen the last of me!

As well as some portfolio working, and in between walks on the beach and moors with the dogs, I have a massive backlog of books I want to catch up with. I want to reflect on all that I’ve learned over the last 32 years and how I can use it in supporting the next generation of leaders so that perhaps they can learn from the many mistakes (and successes) that I have been part of!

Whilst my Chair was understandably surprised (as both he & I had expected to work together for another year or two), both he and the whole Board have been very understanding of my decision. For the next few months I will be focussing on supporting the Board to recruit my successor, working with the team on the ambitious plans that we have in place to support our members, and continue to be privileged to take part in great conversations and meetings.

I don't intend to say goodbye, as goodbyes are sad, much better to say hello to the next opportunity & adventure. Thanks for all the fish, it's been a blast!