In May we said a fond farewell to John Berriman who has been Chair of MacIntyre’s board of Trustees since 2003.
John has been connected to MacIntyre since the charity started with his brother, James, being one of the first people who moved to MacIntyre’s first home as a child in 1970. John joined the board of Trustees in 1986. His father, Sir David Berriman, was Chair of Trustees from 1978 to 1993.
John is succeeded by Neil Macmillan, a Trustee of MacIntyre since 2007. Neil will be relinquishing his role as Chair of MacIntyre Academies Trust (MAT) in order to accept this new role and will be replaced later in the year by Denise Cockrem. Neil will remain as a Member on the MAT Board, ensuring that MacIntyre Care continues to provide excellent support as the Sponsor to the MAT and continuing to make a contribution to the strengthening of the links and success of both organisations.
Sarah Burslem, CEO, said:
Our thanks to John for all he has done for MacIntyre over so many years. It is clear as can be seen each and every day that from day one under the collective Berriman stewardship MacIntyre has grown and become quite an exceptional place for people to live, learn and work.
John’s time as Chair and his relationships have been intertwined with his family life and it is clear that John and James have a unique brotherly bond. While it is important that John and other Trustees bring their family experiences, ensuring the voices of families lie at the heart of our DNA, John has always acted with complete integrity as both a brother and a Chair. We are grateful for all he has done for MacIntyre.
Neil Macmillan said:
John has been an inspiration in leading MacIntyre and I have learnt so much from his calm, engaging and inclusive style. Always lending an ear to listen and being supportive when it’s been needed, but also leading from the front when the moment has required him to do so. John has passed the baton on to me now and I receive it knowing what a great responsibility and honour comes with the role.
Among the gifts presented to John was a blue plaque to be displayed on a new Sensory Pod in Milton Keynes where John’s brother lives, which recognises the contribution of all three Berrimans.
Our thanks to John from us all at MacIntyre as we come to the end of an era.
