Charity chief set to step down
THE head of a Stockport charity that helps ‘change the lives of families’ is to step down after nearly a decade at the helm.
Mark Geraghty has been chief executive of the Seashell Trust, based in Cheadle Hulme, for nine years but will retire at the end of the academic year.
His replacement has been appointed and is to be Jolanta McCall, who has previously worked in special educational needs services and paediatric audiology.
Mark said: “It has been a true privilege to lead the team at Seashell Trust and over the years I have seen our children and young people make extraordinary progress which makes me incredibly proud.
“Our work is vitally important, not only does it change the lives of our students, it has an impact on entire families.
“At Seashell we are leading the way in showing just what can be achieved with determination and the very best special needs education and care.
“It is now time for me to hand the baton to a new chief executive. These are exciting times for the trust and for the provision of special educational needs across the UK as a whole.”
The charity, on Schools Hill, is undergoing a busy period.
It will soon have a new 3G pitch installed as part of campus improvements.
And the Seashell Trust is intending to appeal a decision by Stockport council to refuse a planning application for a £45m campus redevelopment.
It will also host a multisensory impairment conference outlining strategies for supporting children on May 10.
Gwen Carr, chair of the board of directors, said: “Mark has made a huge contribution to the success of Seashell Trust and our children and young people and he leaves a strong legacy for the future
“We would all like to thank him for his tireless work and wish him every success in the future.
“Jolanta brings with her a wealth of experience and energy and she will be an excellent addition to the team.”
Mark plans to continue his work in special educational needs, acting as a specialist advisor and consultant for local authorities and the government.