Leading figure on charity trust to step down

The chief executive of a Bath charity that aims to preserve the city will step down after more than 12 years in the role.

Caroline Kay, 59, took up the position at Bath Preservation Trust in June

2007 but has decided to step down in July.

Mrs Kay, inset, who lives in Bradford on Avon, said she was delighted with what her team had accomplished over the years.

The trust said her achievements during her tenure include:

■ £5m redevelopment and expansion of No. 1 Royal Crescent museum, with 22 per cent increase in visitor numbers.

■ Incorporation of Herschel Museum of Astronomy into the trust’s portfolio of four museums.

■ Two nationally-awarded planning guidance manuals, Warmer Bath and Making Changes.

■ Examination of more than 1,500 planning and listed building applications in Bath.

■ 2.5-fold increase in turnover at the trust.

■ Development of training and internship placements in planning and heritage management.

Mrs Kay said: “I have been exceptionally lucky to hold this role and lead the trust through a period of dynamic change and growth.

“I am delighted with what I and the team have achieved during these years but I now feel I need to move on and consider other ways of exercising my professional and personal interests.

“I have loved working at the trust and I am sure it will go on to flourish further.”

Mrs Kay worked in the ‘cultural sector’ for 20 years in London before moving to Bath in 2007.

She said she was reading an edition of the Bath Chronicle when she saw the trust was advertising a chief executive role in the paper.

Mrs Kay leapt at the opportunity and the rest is history.

Mrs Kay outlined in a bit more detail why it was time to move on.

“12 and a half years is a long time in one job. It is lonely at the top at times,” she said. “I have had tremendous support from my colleagues and the trustees but I wish to move on. I plan on doing consultancy work in the future.”

She added: “My one regret is that there is not really much high quality, contemporary architecture in Bath,” said Mrs Kay.

Thomas Sheppard, chair of the trust’s trustees, praised the work Mrs Kay did during her tenure.

“Caroline has worked tirelessly for the Trust for many years and she will be taking a well-earned break before moving onto her next challenge; she will leave us with our full support and respect,” he said.