Fiona CreabyI have worked in the education sector for almost 20 years, initially in leadership and management roles, and more recently as a UK higher education academic. I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Management (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK) with a research and teaching focus on leadership development, organisational behaviour and responsible leadership supporting a variety of senior and middle leaders across different sectors, including school leaders, healthcare workers and sports professionals. I am also the current External Examiner for the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship for Schools at the University of Gloucestershire. As an early career researcher, I am interested in social constructionist approaches to learning and development, particularly sociocultural theory, leadership identity and reflexivity in professional practice. I also undertake advisory work on education management and contribute to the development of business leadership in schools through collaboration with professionals bodies and the Department for Education. Prior to joining academia, my background has included leadership roles in state schools, NGOs and social enterprise charities, including secondary education in England as a school business manager and Australian education and care as an operations manager for a charity delivering programmes in primary schools and early years learning centres.
I have contributed to the strategic leadership of BELMAS as a Trustee (Treasurer) for almost 3 years. I am seeking re-election for a second term to continue to support BELMAS as we move through a period of change and development. As Treasurer, I have contributed to the future direction and growth of BELMAS financial strategy and the development of the BELMAS staff team. An important part of my role has involved supporting BELMAS through significant internal change during continued societal uncertainty. This has included contributing to the evolution of policy and operational process to ensure the sustainability of the BELMAS mission as we move forward to CIO status. This transformational journey is only just underway for BELMAS and my hope is to continue for a second term to contribute further insight, knowledge and skills as we: develop our strategic goals; construct the 2024+ budget forecast; sustain and develop our income streams; implement the new constitution in 2024; invest in our membership offer, our internationalisation, and our office team to grow the society; and continue to strengthen our RIGs, networks and partnerships as a global research society.
In becoming a Trustee for a second term, I believe that I can provide an on-going positive contribution, with my professional experience and academic background providing a range of skills that support these key areas of strategic development, including financial management, governance, and staff development. A vital part of this on-going work is my commitment to championing and embedding a culture of equity and inclusion in which we value diversity and equality as we seek to grow internationally through an engaging portfolio of member benefits, research and knowledge exchange activity, and development opportunities for all. Overall, I am passionate about the work of BELMAS and hope to continue working with fellow Trustees, Members, and our Staff team, to develop BELMAS in sustainable and innovative ways as we transition to a new era.
