Entrusted with gold: National Trust’s boss recognised for visionary leadership

Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE, director general of the National Trust, has been awarded a ‘Gold Medal’ in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to conservation, heritage and learning.  The award has been made in recognition of Dame Fiona’s stewardship over the past 10 years, building the National Trust into one of the largest membership and volunteer organisations in the world.

The Gold Medal, which is the highest honour given by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), was presented at CMI’s National Conference at the Landmark Hotel in London.  By accepting this prestigious award, Dame Fiona becomes only the third female winner since the award was introduced in 1980.  She now joins an exclusive group of senior UK leaders across the private, public and voluntary sectors, with previous winners including Sir Terry Leahy, Dianne Thompson CBE, Martin Narey and Sir Ron Dearing.

A highly respected leader with a background spanning 30 years in the conservation sector, Dame Fiona has been given the award in acknowledgement of her inspirational leadership, building the National Trust into an organisation with a turnover in excess of £400 million.  She has also been recognised for her unstinting commitment to environmental services – a dedication evident through roles held for organisations including the Council for National parks, Council for the Protection of rural England and volunteer activity for the Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming.

Terry Morgan, president of CMI, says: “Success shouldn’t just be judged by the impact an individual has on the bottom line.  Of course it counts, but the difference between good management and great leadership is the extent to which someone can inspire, motivate people and drive change.  Dame Fiona has unquestionably succeeded in all three areas because without her tireless energy the National Trust wouldn’t be the household name it is and many of our historical sites would not benefit from the support of both the public and an impressive army of volunteers.  Her commitment to the cause, ability to manage resources and lead teams are attributes that many of today’s leaders would do well to imitate.”

Dame Fiona took up her position as director general of the National Trust in January 2001.  Prior to holding the role she spent two years as director of the Womens’ Unit in the Cabinet Office, was director of the Council for the Protection of Rural England for six years and she also spent seven years as secretary to the Council for National Parks.  She was appointed a Dame in the 2008 News Years’ Honours List.

Accepting the award – made by a panel of senior CMI executives and members – Dame Fiona said: “It’s such an honour to be recognised in this way but it is an award that should, in no way, suggest that our work at the National Trust is done.  Yes, people have a greater understanding of environmental and conservation issues today than 10 years ago but we cannot rest on our laurels. Our historic buildings, coastline and countryside are precious and yet so fragile in today’s world and it is our job to protect them for ever for everyone.  The National Trust is a place where our people – whether volunteers or employees – are totally committed to what we do. So they all share in this award and in accepting it I thank them all very much.” 

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Further information:

Harriet Fitzgerald/Lucy Dormandy

Telephone: 0207 010 0828 / 0207 010 0829

Email: Harriet.Fitzgerald@kindredagency.com / Lucy.Dormandy@kindredagency.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

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