17 & 18  August 2011: Statements from the Board of Trustees

Statement 1: We are delighted to be able to report Judith Palmer’s return to the post of Director of the Poetry Society.

Judith Palmer demonstrated enormous strengths in this post and has been a committed and successful Director. Under Judith’s leadership the Poetry Society’s acclaimed artistic and educational programmes were expanded and audience reach extended dramatically. During the two and a half years she led the Society, membership reached its highest ever levels, turnover increased by 23%, and participation in adult and young people’s competitions doubled. She built a terrific staff team, forged links with new partners nationally and internationally, and attracted many new funders and supporters to the organisation. We are pleased that we have been able to agree Judith Palmer’s return to the post of Director with immediate effect and we now look forward to working with her again to start to bring stability back to the organisation.  We have confidence in her vision and continuing professionalism, and that these qualities will stand the society in good stead.

The Board apologises for any of its decisions, statements or actions that may have contributed to the current difficulties.

The Board suggests an enquiry may be helpful to ensure that best practice in governance will prevail in the future. We ask the incoming Board, who will be elected at the AGM on 14 September 2011, to take this forward.

With Judith Palmer back in post at the Poetry Society, supported by a new Board, we hope the Poetry Society will soon be flourishing again.