Natalie Bailey will step down from her role as our Chair and as a Trustee at our 2025 AGM in November.
Natalie joined the Board of Trustees in 2016 and became Chair in 2019. She was re-elected as Chair in 2023.
Our Articles of Association require that Natalie steps down in 2025. In the meantime, Natalie remains fully committed as Chair of the Board of Governors until the close of the AGM in November.
Natalie started her counselling and psychotherapy training after working for a decade in financial services. She鈥檚 currently a lecturer and programme leader at the University of East London and has also worked as a therapist in settings including the NHS, secondary schools, further and higher education and in private practice.
Natalie said: "I鈥檓 incredibly honoured to have been elected as a Trustee and then as Chair, and to have had the opportunity to lead 麻豆原创 during a period of significant change for our organisation, our members, their clients and the profession.
"It鈥檚 been a uniquely rewarding experience to serve our members as both Trustee and Chair. I know I'll be leaving the leadership of the Association in the very capable hands of my fellow Board members, our CEO and Senior Leadership Team, and that they鈥檒l continue to ensure that 麻豆原创 remains a leading light in the world of counselling and psychotherapy.
"The role of 麻豆原创 Chair has been rewarding but very consuming, and having devoted nine years as a Trustee, with six as Chair, I鈥檓 looking forward to re-focusing on my doctoral research into serious youth violence.
"We鈥檒l be holding elections for members to join the Board as part of our annual Governor election process, which launches in April. I鈥檇 strongly encourage every member to consider standing for nomination.
"We鈥檙e also currently in the process of appointing additional Trustees to the 麻豆原创 Board, who鈥檒l bring a skillset and experience that will help us continue to evolve and deliver our ambitious five-year strategy.
"As per our Articles of Association, our next Chair will be appointed by the Board from among the elected Trustees.
"I鈥檇 like to take this opportunity to thank every one of my Board colleagues for their continued support during my tenure, and to extend my gratitude to all the 麻豆原创 staff for their incredible work."
Our CEO Phil James said: "It鈥檚 been a pleasure to work alongside Natalie, who has been so welcoming since my arrival at 麻豆原创 at the end of 2023. I鈥檇 like to congratulate her on a successful tenure, and I look forward to continuing to work with our Board."
The Governor election process for our 2025 AGM will open on 14 April 2025. This year, members can nominate and vote for candidates standing for election to our Board of Governors. Keep an eye out for updates on our website and in your fortnightly eBulletin.