Changes to the GA’s Operations team
Over the past few months we’ve been looking at how the General Assembly is structured internally, to make sure that we are giving congregations, districts and ministers what they need from us now.
Much of the structure was designed for a different time and for a movement that was differently shaped, and so we looked at what we might be able to do to adapt and change, so that we can provide the best possible service to Unitarians.
Our review has given us a new structure for the Operations side of the General Assembly team, and there have been a few changes. The first is the appointment of Anne Danks as Operations Director, as we announced earlier this month. Anne comes to us from Christian Aid, with deep experience of operations and of organisations going through change.
The second is a change to how we manage our finances. Following David Joseph’s retirement, we have moved our day-to-day finance function to an external accounting firm. This gives us a stronger reporting mechanism and helps us manage our accounts more deliberately, giving us better oversight and satisfying the requirements of our auditors.
The third is that the new structure changes some of the roles that we’ve had until now, chiefly the role of Administrator, held by Audrey Longhurst, and the role of Operations Manager, held by Andrew Mason. Those roles will no longer continue in the new Operations structure, and so, sadly, Audrey and Andrew will be leaving the GA team.
Audrey has been the GA’s Administrator for almost 20 years, often the person who will answer the phone when enquiries are made at Essex Hall, as well as supporting behind-the-scenes administrative work supporting GA Operations, and, in support of the British & Foreign Unitarian Association (Inc.), coordinating meetings. Those of you who have been to meetings in person at Essex Hall will know Audrey’s warm welcome, and those who have been to the Annual Meetings will have met her at the GA Bookshop. We will miss her diligent commitment and keen eye for detail, as well as her care for the individuals that make up our Unitarian movement. Audrey’s last day with us will be on 23rd October this Autumn.
Andrew is recognised by many in the movement as the organiser of our Annual Meetings, where he has expertly coordinated all the moving parts from venue hire to the motions process – but there is much more that he has taken care of that is less visible to the movement. He has been Buildings Manager for Essex Hall; supported the team’s IT systems and tools; supported the EC meetings; run the GA office; produced the GA Directory and Annual Report; and managed our information and governance. His input into the GA’s move to a CIO, and his in-depth knowledge of the GA’s history and processes have all been invaluable.
After 26 years as a member of the GA staff team, Andrew remains part of this movement by family, by friendship, and through treasured relationships with so many Unitarians. Andrew’s leaving date will be 11th September.
Liz Slade, Chief Officer, said: “The demands that the General Assembly faces now are not the ones that our movement faced when our current team structure was designed. In common with many faith movements, we are adapting and remaking after a period of decline and change, and that needs a different approach across all functions of the GA.
“Saying goodbye to trusted, caring colleagues is always difficult, all the more so in a movement like ours, and after many years of service. Both Andrew and Audrey have made significant contributions to this movement, and I am hugely grateful for their hard work, professionalism, and commitment. We know that everyone in the Unitarian family will share our good wishes for the future, and they leave with our sincerest gratitude.”
The revised operational function includes a project to review the way we manage data to support our membership, in recognition of the need to bring our systems and tools up to date. We will also be recruiting very soon for a new team member to work with the membership, ensuring our key data is accurate and current, to develop our congregational support toolkit, and provide the administrative and coordination support that keeps the GA’s work with congregations, ministers, and members running smoothly.
Periods of change are rarely comfortable, but they are how we make sure what we offer still meets what people need. Looking to the future, we know that the new structure will strengthen our back-office functions and allow the GA more opportunities to support congregations in the important work they do. We will keep you updated as that work goes on.
We know that many people across the movement will want to give their thanks to both Andrew and Audrey, and we invite you to add a message of thanks and any thank you gift to each of them via the Collection Pot platforms, linked below.