The School is delighted to welcome Virginia Beardshaw CBE (Diploma in Social Administration 1975) as the new chair of the LSE Annual Fund.
Virginia brings considerable expertise to the role, both through her knowledge of LSE as a School Governor and her professional achievements in the not-for-profit sector, most recently as long-standing Chief Executive of I CAN, the UK children’s communication charity. Virginia will build on the solid platform created over the past few years – including a record total in 2014/15.
Virginia has been an LSE Governor since 2010. Her contribution to School leadership and governance includes being Acting Vice-Chair of the Nominations Committee and providing guidance to the Remunerations Committee. She is a loyal supporter of the Annual Fund.
As the new chair of the Annual Fund, Virginia is keen to build on the achievements made under the chairmanship of Peter Jones CBE, during which the Annual Fund has twice achieved record years, including this year’s £913,000 total.
“It is a privilege to become chair of the Annual Fund with it in such a position of strength at what is a crucial and exciting time for fundraising at LSE,” she said. “I want to build on these recent successes to help ensure the Annual Fund continues to grow and increase further its existing significant impact across the School. As we do so, I want to share with you the stories about the people and projects your generous gifts help to support. The Fund plays a significant role in helping the LSE students, with all their many talents, fulfil their potential to make a positive difference to the world.”
The School would like to thank retiring chair Peter Jones CBE for his exceptional contribution, dedication and commitment to the Annual Fund since 2010.
Virginia is the subject of the LSE & Me feature in the Winter issue of LSE Connect magazine, which will be available in early December.