After nearly 12 years of dedicated service, Jill Arnold has announced she will be leaving Broadleaf Partnership Trust in 2025 to take early retirement.
Having originally joined Plantsbrook School in 2013, Jill progressed up the ranks to become Trust Finance Director in 2021, tirelessly working to make the most of every penny whilst overseeing the transition of, in the early days of moving from cheques to BACS, two financial and budget systems, cashless schools to a new payroll system and managing, in more recent years, the challenges faced by a difficult national economic environment, driven partly by the cost of living crisis and rise in fuel prices. Not to mention the work involved with bringing in three schools to the Trust.
In a message to staff, she spoke of her fondness for the job she’ll be leaving in March:
“I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible experiences and opportunities I have had here. My journey with the Trust has been nothing short of amazing, and I have cherished every moment. From the projects we’ve completed to the challenges we’ve overcome; my time here has been both professionally and personally rewarding.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the support, friendship, and collaboration we have shared over the years. Each of you has contributed to making my career fulfilling and enjoyable, and I am truly grateful for the relationships I have built. I will always look back on my time at BPT with fond memories and a deep appreciation for the environment of teamwork and innovation.”
Paying tribute to Jill, Chief Executive Claire Pritchard says she will be missed greatly across the Trust:
“Jill has been such a valuable member of our Trust team in so many ways – not just transforming the finance function, through embedding the systems and processes that keep the engine of our Trust moving, but also being integral to the development of our Trust collaborative culture and living out our values on a daily basis. I am privileged to have had Jill by my side on this journey and want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for being thoroughly invested in delivering excellence. Her knowledge and presence will be truly missed.”
Speaking of her next steps, the outgoing Finance Director told staff she was looking forward to her next chapter:
“As I transition into retirement, I am excited about the new adventures and opportunities that lie ahead, yet I will undoubtedly miss the camaraderie and spirit of our workplace. I am confident that the team will continue to achieve great success and uphold the high standards that define BPT.
Thank you once again for the incredible journey and the unforgettable memories. I wish the entire team continued success and prosperity.”