It has been announced that Graham Sandersfield, Operations Co-ordinator at Brass Bands England (BBE), is to leave the role with immediate effect.

4BR understands that BBE is hoping that his replacement will be in place early in the New Year.

Released from role

BBE Chairman Mike Kilroy told 4BR: "It's very disappointing to announce Graham's departure so soon after his appointment, but the board has agreed, having conducted the proposed three month review of all recent appointments, that the necessary progress was not being made in the role of Operations Co-ordinator and Graham has subsequently been released from the position."

Crucial

He added: "This central role is crucial to the ongoing development of what we are trying to achieve in the coming months, and it was felt that an immediate change was necessary to fulfil our goals and exceed our targets."

Exceeded expectations

Mike also said that in contrast, the work of the three BBE Liaison Officers had been highly successful and that the team had exceeded expectations.

"We have been delighted with the progress made by our new and existing liaison officers, who have all exceeded expectations in promoting and supporting brass bands throughout the country.

This in turn makes it all the more important that those at the coalface are given the maximum amount of support needed to optimise their effectiveness."

Key Performance

4BR understands that Brass Bands England is rapidly approaching its crucial assessment period with Arts Council England in which it must display that it has met its agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) outlined in its Strategic Plan.

This will determine whether or not funding from Arts Council England will be maintained at the current level, increased or withdrawn — something which Mike told 4BR the organisation is determined to show that it has more than met.

BBE want to exceed the targets agreed with the Arts Council. This is why we are taking immediate steps to build on the tremendous initial progress of our liaison officersMike Kilroy

Immediate steps

He concluded; "BBE want to exceed the targets agreed with the Arts Council. This is why we are taking immediate steps to build on the tremendous initial progress of our liaison officers and appoint someone with the necessary skills to assist them in every way possible.

We realise the importance of appointing the appropriate person with the necessary skill set to help achieve that and we hope to make an announcement about Graham's successor very soon."