Chair of NESEP moves on to concentrate on new role at The Junction Foundation
After almost five years of serving as Chair of the North East Social Enterprise Partnership, Lawrence McAnelly will step down to concentrate on his new, demanding role as Chief Executive of The Junction Foundation, the Redcar based social enterprise and NESEP member that offers information, support and counselling to young people.
Lawrence will however continue to contribute to the North East Social Enterprise Partnership by remaining on the Board of Directors.
Lawrence was originally elected to the North East Social Enterprise Partnership Board of Directors in the summer of 2005 whilst in his role of Development Manager of Community Campus ’87, and took up the post of Chair in March 2006.
Over the past five years as Chair, Lawrence has, alongside the Board of Directors, devoted his time and efforts to advancing the North East’s social enterprise sector and helped to foster an environment in which social enterprises can prosper.
“After careful consideration, due the demanding nature of my new role as Chief Executive of The Junction Foundation, I have found I am not able to devote as much time as I would like to my role as Chair of the North East Social Enterprise Partnership and have decided to step down. I will still remain on the Board of Director and support the Board of Directors when they are appointed,” said Lawrence.
“During my time as Chair, the North East Social Enterprise Partnership has developed from its early days as a partnership of social enterprise support bodies to one which now has over 400 members, is run for and by social enterprises, continues to develop and establish effective sub-regional networks and works with a range of partners, helping to deliver positive social, economic and environmental change.
“Whilst we live and work here in the North East of England in challenging times, I am confident that the pride, passion commitment and expertise of social enterprises and social entrepreneurs will continue to make a difference in their communities. I am pleased that the North East Social Enterprise Partnership is and can continue to be part of their stories.
“It has been a privilege during my time as Chair of the North East Social Enterprise Partnership to have worked closely with people who are committed to the idea, philosophy and values of social enterprise, who believe that social enterprise can make a difference in their communities.”
Karen Wood, Chief Executive of the North East Social Enterprise Partnership, said:
“While we are sad to see Lawrence step down as Chair of the North East Social Enterprise Partnership, we appreciate that this will allow him to concentrate on his new role as Chief Executive of The Junction Foundation. We are delighted that Lawrence will remain on the Board of Directors and continue to contribute to the direction of our organisation for the benefit of social enterprise in the North East.
“On behalf of all North East Social Enterprise Partnership staff and directors, I would like to extend our thanks to Lawrence for his time and commitment as Chair over the past five years and wish him good luck and success in his new post.”
The North East Social Enterprise Partnership Board of Directors will elect a new Chair at the next board meeting.