New Chair of Trustees for WESC
Accomplished businessman Richard Purchase has been appointed as the new Chair of Trustees at WESC Foundation, an inspirational charity providing cutting edge education, care and support to visually impaired young people and adults.
A professional with over 20 years in business and HR/industrial relations and, until recently, owner of a successful and vibrant business consultancy, Richard promises to bring an enthusiastic energy and dynamic approach to his new role at the Exeter-based charity, and within just weeks from his official appointment has already instigated a recruitment drive for Trustees with specialist knowledge.
Headhunted by WESC Foundation for his extensive business acumen, Richard is looking forward to inspiring, enthusing and supporting a progressive and inclusive agenda to continue to improve the excellent level of care and attention that WESC Foundation learners receive both during and beyond their time at WESC Foundation.
Principal and Chief Executive Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin welcomed the new appointment, saying: “Over the past few years we have been forging ahead with an exciting rebrand, developed cutting-edge technologies and research partnerships, which are all part of our commitment to transforming the lives of those affected by visual impairment.
"We are delighted that Richard has been appointed as Chair of the Trustees to help us continue to build on the advances we have already made and to ensure we achieve our mid- to long-term goals.”
Richard says: “My vision is to work with the Principal and Chief Executive Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin and the Senior Leadership team to continue the excellent work already being undertaken at WESC Foundation, and to support the organisation to continue as the brilliant charity that they already are and a successful business too. We can do this by working towards achieving five key tangible goals.
“Firstly, there should be excellent customer satisfaction, imperative for any business, which we can accomplish by ensuring that both learners, parents and stakeholders receive the highest possible quality of service. Secondly, I want to promote strong employee engagement and a transparency within the organisation, so that all staff are brought into the WESC vision.
"The final three outcomes I would like to bring into effect will be to see WESC Foundation attaining strong financial results, outstanding regulatory performance and operational effectiveness.”
As Chair of Trustees, one of Richard’s first responsibilities was to identify the skills and experience required by the Board, which he has already done within the short time since he was officially appointed. By carrying out a skills audit, Richard has identified three new trustees that he would like to recruit to the Board with experience in the specialisms of education, property and PR and marketing.
If anyone is interested in these roles, they should get in touch with Richard via WESC Foundation’s Human Resources Director, Maureen Biss on mbiss@wescfoundation.ac.uk or call 01392 454200 for further information.
Although based in Exeter, WESC Foundation has a much wider reach, with learners travelling across the South West from as far afield as Wales and Cornwall to enjoy life at the extensive campus.
However, Richard’s vision is to extend the organisation’s reach even further, which he feels can easily be achieved over time by further developing relationships around the UK and by promoting WESC Foundation’s outreach services to a wider audience. With Richard’s passion and proactive approach, WESC Foundation’s future is very bright.
