Graham Sandersfield departure from BBE

Graham Sandersfield Operations Co-ordinator at Brass Bands England (BBE), is to leave the role with immediate effect. BBE is confident that a replacement will be in place early in the New Year and will make an announcement in this regard in due course. It is very disappointing to have to announce Graham’s departure so soon after his appointment but the board has agreed, having conducted the proposed three month review of all recent appointments, that the necessary progress was not being made in the role of Operations Co-ordinator and Graham has subsequently been released from the position.

This central role of Operations Co-ordinator is so crucial to the ongoing development of what we are trying to achieve in the coming months and it was felt that a change was necessary immediately to fulfil our goals and exceed our targets. In contrast, we have been delighted with the progress made by our new, and existing, liaison officers who have all exceeded expectations in promoting and supporting brass bands throughout the country. This, in turn, makes it all the more important that those at the coalface are given the maximum amount of support needed to optimise their effectiveness.

Brass Bands England is approaching a crucial 15-month period in which it must achieve the agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) outlined in the Strategic Plan. This will be critical in the development of the next funding application and will determine whether or not funding from Arts Council England will be maintained at the current level, increased or withdrawn.

BBE want to exceed the targets agreed with the Arts Council. This is why we are taking immediate steps to build on the tremendous initial progress of our liaison officers and appoint someone with the necessary skills to assist them in every way possible.

The Board realise the importance of appointing the appropriate person with the necessary skill set to help that we need. We hope to make an announcement about Graham’s successor very soon.