We are delighted to welcome Mr Martin Scoble to the BGS community, who started his role as the first Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) at BGS last week. This is a new title and supersedes the role of Bursar.

As a committed member of the Senior Leadership Team, Mr Scoble will ensure the effective and creative delivery of professional services, to continually enhance the educational provision and welfare of the school community whilst overseeing our strategic and operational financial future.

The Edit sat down with Mr Scoble to find out a bit more about his background. A full interview will be shared in our next edition of the Muse publication.

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?

I joined the CCF at school and decided from an early age that I wanted to join the military. I was lucky enough to be awarded a sixth form scholarship and flying scholarship from the RAF and subsequently an RAF university bursary. I studied Aerospace Engineering at university and just before finishing decided to transfer to the British Army. I spent over 18 years in the Royal Engineers, serving all over the world. I had the privilege of commanding some extremely talented and dedicated soldiers whilst also being involved with a variety of projects. Some career highlights of this time include building bridges, schools and clinics in Kenya, organising disaster relief in the Philippines and being involved in delivering air security for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

More recently; I have worked with elected Police and Crime Commissioners to hold policing and fire services to account. Another key element of the role was helping to design and deliver their objectives and plans for the future of policing and victim services locally along with working regionally and nationally to improve emergency service delivery.

I continue to hold two Governor positions in two different schools. From these roles I developed an interest and desire to work within the education sector, which is an area where I feel can add real value. During the recent pandemic I became a Bursar at an independent school. The pandemic was difficult for everybody and schools were no exception. The young people, parents and staff all had to make significant changes and adapt to evolving circumstances. I have been continually impressed by those in schools for consistently delivering quality education.

What attracted you to the role at BGS?

I was not looking for a new role. However, I saw the position advertised and decided to read the role requirements. After reading more about BGS and the role I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of this team. The focus on delivering a safe and nurturing environment for the girls to develop their whole self and prepare themselves to be a positive influence in life sprang out. This culture is tangible and really envelopes you from the moment you are sat in reception for the first time. Combine this culture with the opportunities with technology, IB, sport, co-curricular options amongst many others and you have a special place. Even in my first few weeks I have really enjoyed seeing how the values of the school highlighted in the initial role advert are lived throughout the school on a daily basis.

How have your first couple of weeks been at BGS?

I have reflected on this question a number of times as lots of people both inside and outside of BGS have asked me the same thing. The easy answer revolves around the people here at BGS and within the wider Trust. It started before Christmas when I completed a number of sessions with my predecessor. Jean-Marc Hodgkin was amazing and provided me with an excellent insight and head start to this multifaceted role. Subsequently, on arrival at the beginning of January I have really enjoyed meeting everybody and without exception people have gone out of their way to answer my questions, explain any issues and help. There is always lots to take in when you start a new role in a different organisation. However, I have rarely felt so welcome and I have thoroughly enjoyed my first days and weeks.  

What are you looking forward to about working at BGS?

I am looking forward to getting fully involved with the Professional Services team here at BGS. I have already seen some of the extraordinary work and services they provide to the school; all of those things that are often unseen but are essential to ensuring that the wider school can operate including enabling the environment for the provision of outstanding learning. Alongside this I am looking forward to playing my part within the wider school community on a daily basis whilst ensuring the future success of the school.