Richard Sheriff OBE
Posted 6th January 2023
We are delighted to share the news that our esteemed leader, Richard Sheriff, has been appointed OBE in the King's first New Year Honours list.
"I was surprised and delighted to read I was to receive an OBE. I’m not one of those people that’s cynical about such things - it’s an absolute privilege. There is also a little embarrassment as I know that I am in many ways basking in the glory of other’s efforts.
I have always relished being part of a team and working with others who have different talents and experiences but share the same values and goals. This award is for me an opportunity to thank all those brilliant people who have supported, inspired and worked so hard with, and for me, to achieve our shared goals. I have been incredibly fortunate to come across so many kind and generous people who have helped me at every stage of my career, right from the start in Leicester as a young Geography teacher to my role now as the leader of our Trust."
Team Work and Professional Generosity
Richard has taken the opportunity to recognise all of the work done across Red Kite:
"I hope this Award can be seen as an acknowledgement of all the work we do together, rather than any single person’s efforts. I do, however, feel a duty to demonstrate I am worthy of this honour by working hard to achieve our shared goals. Leading Red Kite Learning Trust is such a privilege as I get to work with an even greater number of wonderful colleagues.
This award is also shared with all our partners across Red Kite Alliance, Red Kite Teacher Training and more recently, Red Kite Teaching School Hub. Professional generosity and ethical values are at the heart of all the work we do, and it has been such a delight to help support its continued development.
I would like to use the opportunity this award has given me to also thank the unpaid volunteers who work as Governors, Trustees and Members across our schools and Trust. They do not seek praise or thanks in any way, but they give so generously of their time and skills to help us support the children we serve together. I have been so lucky to have the support of truly great Chairs, most recently Jim McHugh, Chris Tulley and Sandra Dodson who have kept their faith in me through the ups and down of my career.
There are many colleagues out there in our Trust who deserve recognition for the work that they do every day above and beyond what their job description describes."
