Tuesday 27 September 2011

Moving on from the Ramblers (27/09/11)

After four years as Chief Exec here at the Ramblers, its about time for me to move on.  Ill be leaving at the end of 2011, to become Chief Exec at a charity called Think Global.  Think Global promotes education about global issues, such as poverty and climate change, to enable people to take action for a more just and sustainable world.  Im hugely excited about the move, but itll also be with some sadness that Ill be leaving the Ramblers.

Being Chief Exec of the Ramblers is not a straightforward role, because there are so many passionate people involved.  But it is a fantastic British institution, run primarily by voluntary effort, and achieving amazing things.  If the Ramblers wasnt there, Britains unique footpath network would begin to disintegrate, progress on access to coast, forest, and waterways would grind to a halt, and many thousands of people would need to fill in gap in their lives left from the led walks that would disappear.  Some of the work that weve done in recent years to encourage new people into walking, for their health and well-being, has been transforming lives. (Im due to sign the Ramblers up to Minds Time to Change campaign later this week another example of how walking helps to change peoples lives for the better.)  Its been a pleasure to work with so many lovely people, staff and volunteers, and I shall miss them a lot.

Ill still be keeping close contact with the Ramblers, and indeed with the wider access movement, as Ill be carrying on my role on the Independent Forestry Panel up until it completes its work (likely to be next Spring).  With another hat, Im also on the transition board for the new waterways charity, which is due to take over the running of many of Britains canals and rivers next year.

If youd like to know more about Think Global, have a look at its website here: www.think-global.org.uk

Theres a news release on the Ramblers website also, for more details:

http://www.ramblers.org.uk/news/Latest+news/Ramblers+Chief+Executive+steps+on+to+next+challenge

Tom Franklin
Chief Executive
Follow my tweets at http://twitter.com/RamblersTom
Follow my blog for Ramblers volunteers at http://www.ramblers.org.uk/Volunteer/chief+executives+blog



 

The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.

Visit our website at:

www.ramblers.org.uk
www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland
www.ramblers.org.uk/wales

 

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