National Schools Partnership appoints Stephen Howard LVO as new Chairman

Stephen Howard has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairman of the National Schools Partnership, a social marketing agency responsible for the creation of learning programmes in partnership with brands and teachers.

National Schools Partnership specialises in achieving results for young people, teachers, families and clients through the power of inspirational education. The agency works in partnership with 69,000 teachers, in the U.K. and Ireland. Current programmes include Sky Academy; the British Gas ‘Generation Green’ programme; P&G ‘Always About You’; the Into Film Festival; and Lloyds Banking Group and BBC Children in Need’s ‘Champions of Change.’

CEO Mark Fawcett said: “I am very excited that Stephen will be joining us.  His great experience and his equal passion and belief in the positive impact business can make in the support of education and young people, will be invaluable.”

Howard is currently Chief Executive of Business in the Community, leading 800 member organisations in tackling a wide range of issues that are essential to creating a fairer society and a more sustainable future. He has senior management expertise acquired in the corporate sector, having held a number of different executive and non-executive roles including: Chief Executive of Cookson Group plc, and Chief Executive of Novar PLC.

Howard holds a non-executive directorship for In Kind Direct; membership of the Veolia Advisory Board; Director of Big Issue Social Investments Ltd; membership of the London Enterprise Panel and the Fair Education Alliance. He has also recently been appointed Chair of Power to Change, an independent charitable trust.

Speaking of his new position as Chairman, Howard said:“I am passionate about responsible business, and delighted by the opportunity to support National Schools Partnership in achieving bigger and better impact for clients, schools and the community through the unique power of education.”