Foundation Council Update

This summer we are saying a fond farewell to a number of key members on the Foundation Council who are retiring and have been instrumental in its evolution and success.

Robin Reeve set the Council up in 2005, as Chairman of the Governors (and with his experience as Head Master at King’s College Wimbledon which had a very successful Development Office) he felt Lancing needed to have a group of like-minded OLs and parents who would offer a valuable advisory role on development strategy. In particular, he emphasized the importance of members as advocates, setting an example for others to follow in supporting the continued development of Lancing.

The Council has evolved from those early days to a group that has helped the school deliver its targets on two campaigns running throughout a pandemic – a first in Lancing’s fundraising history! We are grateful today for Robin’s foresight in founding the Council to promote and support the College’s future and for his perception and insight at meetings.

Hugh Scott-Barrett (Gibbs’ 1972–1977) is stepping down as Chair after four years in the role and eleven years in total on the Council. He has led the successful first phase of the Foundationers Campaign with an abundance of energy and commitment. Hugh’s presence on the Council has helped determine our success and achieve the target 18 months ahead of schedule. He has demonstrated outstanding service and generosity in his position as a Gladstone Benefactor and with the introduction of the ScottBarrett Foundation Scholarship. We are very grateful for his leadership and his legacy of a real impetus as we move into phase two of the campaign.

Charles Anson (Olds 1957–1961) and Lady Dr Susan Conway were among the original members asked to join the Council in 2005. Susan was the first woman on Lancing’s Governing Body and also the first woman on the Council and her voice as a constant promoter for women and an astute understanding of Lancing parents has been valued and respected. We are also delighted that she is going to write a book on the history of women at Lancing. Charles too has been a wise and intelligent voice on so many matters, and his knowledge, locally and nationally, has proved invaluable. We are, of course, extremely grateful that he continues in his role as Patron of the Legacy Society which is playing such an important role now in funds for the Foundation.

As we move into the second phase of this important campaign, it has been a priority to identify a replacement Chair and we are pleased to announce that Dr Harry Brünjes has agreed to take over the role. Dr Brünjes is, of course, a familiar face amongst the Lancing family and was, while Chair of Governors, an ex-officio member of the Council. His most high-profile current role is as Chair of the English National Opera and London Coliseum. He brings with him a wholehearted dedication to the Lancing cause, a wealth of experience and success in major fundraising campaigns, and a commitment to the Foundationers campaign, a project that was central to his years as Chair of Governors.

Left to right: Robin Reeve, Hugh Scott-Barrett, Lady Dr Susan Conway, Charles Anson