An announcement from the SPARTA Chair
I am writing to let you know that, after around 6 years as Chair of SPARTA, I will be stepping down at the end of September. I am delighted to say that I do so with my successor Nick Adams, a Department for Transport Deputy Director based in Great Minster House, already in place. Nick is passionate about SPARTA and keen to ensure the Association continues to be as relevant in the future as it was when it was first established over 50 years ago.
I will be sorry to step down but, as many of you know, for the last three years I have been Chair whilst on secondment to the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) based in the Ministry of Defence. We have made it work but, not being located in either DfT or MHCLG, has undoubtedly been a drawback. Then, earlier this year, I became the new Chief Executive of the NSO which means formally moving to the Ministry of Defence. I therefore feel this is the right time for me to step down with Nick able to bring fresh ideas and direction to the role.
I truly believe in the vital contribution that SPARTA makes to health and wellbeing. SPARTA only exists thanks to the selfless dedication, commitment and passion of all of you. I am grateful to you all for the sizeable, and often under the radar, contribution you make. I truly hope that the Association will continue to flourish. Regrettably securing funding support will, I believe, get increasingly challenging requiring us to determinedly keep on trying to grow our own membership and be as self-sufficient as possible. Your role in achieving that is vital.
I am a minor member of the SPARTA Executive team and want to thank Sue who has been both an incredible Deputy Chair and great support throughout my time and long before me too! As many of you know Sue has been retired for several years now but continues to play an active role as Deputy Chair and in the Yoga Club. However, Sue will step down by the end of the year. I know that Nick and Jason are taking forward the recruitment of a Deputy Chair as a matter of urgency, with an interest in securing greater Regional Office representation, but open to all expressions of interest. I am also eternally grateful to Paul Jones who, as our voluntary Treasurer, has put our finances on a stable position and has been constantly committed to SPARTA despite some very challenging personal circumstances. Finally, of course, I am grateful to Jason Marchant who, as our General Secretary, is the key member of our Executive and the driver of our day-to-day activity including the significant efforts he makes to deliver our annual Sport and Wellbeing Day. He is also the frequent recipient of my “good ideas” which he receives with calmness and good humour! I am grateful to all three and will miss our twice weekly meetings.
I hope that I leave SPARTA in a better position than when I started. I would like to have devoted more time to the Association and spent more time out and about at events but I hope I have made a positive contribution nonetheless. In my time, I am proudest of the meaningful role SPARTA played during Covid, even if in a small way, supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff in an incredibly challenging time for everyone personally and professionally. I am proud too of the way our clubs and societies have re-started and flourished as the pandemic ended, long may that continue.
I wish everyone the best and I am sure I will see you around. I will be happily wearing my SPARTA running top still available and reasonably priced so get in touch with Jason before they sell out!
Kind regards
Rod
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