Music charity announces appointment of new chair

A charity that each week teaches music to 32,000 local children and provides skills training to Birmingham and West Midlands' schools has appointed a new chair of its trustees.

Martin Hall (pictured), a Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber committee member, has been appointed chair of Trustees at Services For Education - the specialist education and training charity that brings music and learning to life.

He succeeds Sarah Smith - who steps down after three years in the role having first become a trustee in 2015 and who will retire as a trustee in Spring 2025 after ten-years’ service. 

Martin, who is also chair of governors at a West Midlands dual entry primary school and an enterprise adviser to secondary schools, has 35 years’ experience in the corporate insurance broking sector and runs a consultancy working directly with clients to leverage their broker/insurer relationships.  

He also sits on the board of small tech-based businesses.

“I am looking forward to supporting the senior leadership team in this award-winning charity as it continues to use the power of learning to create and build confidence, resilience and wellbeing amongst the children, young people, adults and communities of Birmingham and beyond,” said Martin who became a trustee of Services For Education in July 2022.

“Having worked with and supported Services For Education, I am hugely impressed by its work. It is a unique Birmingham asset with its untiring support for the city’s schools, teachers and governors that has helped improve educational standards as well as enabling 32,000 children each week to enjoy playing music together. Its award-winning work has also inspired others across the UK,” he said.

“I have been a passionate supporter of education and career development for over a decade.  Running my own business, I can devote time and effort to assist education settings to build and develop their provision - utilising my career experience in the private sector and from my work as a school governor.

“I am now keen to assist Services For Education as it builds on its work with primary and secondary schools, multi-academy trusts and other educational settings to improve practice and school leadership as well as promoting the role of music education that allows children to experience the joy of learning and playing music together and giving them memories that will last a lifetime.”

Sharon Bell, chief executive of Services For Education, paid tribute to the leadership and work of out-going chair, Sarah Smith.

She said: “Sarah has provided inspirational leadership and guidance during the past three-years – as we have supported schools, staff and children to overcome the challenges resulting from the impact of the pandemic. My colleagues in the senior leadership team and our trustees have been inspired to achieve greater things.

“I am delighted that Martin has accepted the role and have no doubt that his enthusiasm for schools, education and learning, together with his private sector expertise and experience as a school governor, will be of great value as we continue to use the power of learning and of music to create and build confidence amongst children, young people, adults and communities across the city of Birmingham and further afield."

Services For Education has an annual income of around £7m and is supported by Arts Council England, charitable donations and its commercial operations.