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Geographical Association Chief Executive Alan Kinder is to leave the Association at the end of the year, having led the GA since September 2012. Alan will be taking up a new, dual role early in 2024, as Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Studies Association and General Manager of RSA Europe.
During his time at the GA, Alan crafted two strategic plans (covering the periods 2014–19 and 2020–2025), led the successful implementation of the 2014–19 plan and ensured the GA further developed under its current strategic plan. This work focused on bringing geography teachers together, meeting their professional needs, raising the profile of the Association and advocating for high-quality geographical education. It underpinned a doubling of GA membership between 2012 and 2023 and significant growth in the number of schools and teachers engaged with the GA, particularly through its professional development events and social media activities.
Alan represented the GA and the interests of the geography teaching community on national and international stages throughout his time in post, providing expert advice to (amongst others) the Department for Education, Ofsted and Ofqual. Through his advocacy work and the extensive body of professional advice and support material he authored on behalf of the GA and its partner organisations, Alan exerted a considerable influence on the curriculum and professional practice we see in geography education today. His recent work to develop a GA Framework for the school geography curriculum will continue to shape the nature and scope of the geography curriculum in the years ahead.
GA Chief Executive Alan Kinder said:
“As a former teacher of geography, it has been the most enormous honour and privilege to have served as the GA’s Chief Executive for more than eleven years. This is a vibrant community, supporting a vital part of every young person’s education. Teachers of geography deserve the assistance of an independent subject association, focused squarely on their needs and interests, and I hope I have been able to play a role in representing and supporting teachers effectively during my time in post. As I begin to prepare for the exciting professional challenges that lie ahead for me, I’m confident that the GA will use its current strategy as a strong foundation for further progress in the years ahead.”
GA Chair of Trustees Professor Alastair Owens said:
“Alan Kinder has been an outstanding Chief Executive of the Geographical Association. Over his eleven years of energetic and committed leadership, he has worked tirelessly to support the geography education community, resulting in unparalleled levels of engagement with the Association’s activities and a doubling of its membership. Alan is a skilled and influential advocate for the discipline while also being a generous mentor, colleague and friend. While sad that he will be moving on from the GA, I congratulate him warmly on his new roles at the Regional Studies Association.
Alan leaves the GA in a position of great strength, with exciting opportunities for whoever replaces him. The trustees have already begun the process of searching for a new Chief Executive and providing for interim leadership, while a new role holder is recruited.”
If you have any queries or comments in relation to Alan’s departure from the GA, please contact GA Executive Assistant Ricky Buck (rbuck@geography.org.uk).
