Voices Foundation Welcomes New Chief Executive, Manvinder Rattan
Voices Foundation (VF) is delighted to announce that Manvinder Rattan has been appointed as Chief Executive from September 2021. All are thrilled that Manvinder, who has extensive experience across the music education sector, will be leading VF through the next important phase of its development. During this time, VF will implement its new three-year strategy with a targeted focus on pupils experiencing disadvantage and a continued focus on sustainable growth and improved pupil wellbeing.
Manvinder joins from Sing for Pleasure, where as CEO and Head of Conductor Training, his team of tutors teaches around 300 conductors each year. In fact, Manvinder has trained many conductors who have become part of the VF practitioner workforce. Coming from an organisation committed to spreading the enjoyment of singing, Manvinder is a natural fit and welcome addition to the VF team.
Manvinder initiated and devised Sing for Pleasure's Young Conductors Programme - an annual scholarship scheme which trains talented young would-be choral conductors in effective choral leadership and prepares them for a career in the field - and has always maintained a 'hands-on' approach as programme director, mentoring and supporting some 35 scholars since its launch.
Alongside his roles at Sing for Pleasure, Manvinder has been Musical Director of the John Lewis Partnership Music Society since 1995, with responsibility for its 15 choirs and an orchestra. He was also a judge for BBC2’s ‘The Choir’ with Gareth Malone. In addition, he is Musical Director of Serafine Chamber Choir and Sinfonia with whom he released the premiere recording of Oliver Tarney’s Magnificat. In 2016, Manvinder was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, York St John University, for his services to music and conducting.
Speaking of Manvinder’s appoinment, Christopher Hopton, Chair of Voices Foundation said: “Manvinder is hugely respected in the sector and has a great combination of being a musical inspiration and an experienced Chief Executive. His work with Sing for Pleasure and John Lewis Partnership over many years has been extremely impressive and we look forward to welcoming him to Voices Foundation very soon.”
“I am over the moon to be joining the team at Voices Foundation and leading this remarkable organisation on the next stage of its journey. We all know that this country would be a much better place if EVERY child had singing as part of their upbringing and I look forward to Voices Foundation doing even more than it already has to help achieve that objective.”
Despite the challenges of Covid-19 over the last year, VF has accelerated its digital presence, whilst also continuing to deliver an award-winning singing programme. The charity has created new online learning opportunities such as Voices Connect and #VFVirtualSing work, both of which are effecting change at a national level and beyond. This focus on digital transformation, alongside continued partnerships with individual schools, multi academy trusts, and Music Education Hubs are central to VF’s vision to transform music education for good.
In 2021, VF will continue its important strategic work in the areas of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion with aims to improve teaching and enrich children with a diverse repertoire of music. With the recent release of the Model Music Curriculum (MMC), VF is committed to ensuring this subject remains accessible and inclusive and will continue working with schools to ensure music is delivered in an ambitious way that can help with attainment and ultimately contribute to whole school change.
Voices Foundation has been working alongside teachers and school communities since 1993 to transform music education, supporting children’s wider skill development and wellbeing through accessible and inclusive singing programmes. We provide Continuing Professional Development and Learning for educators, inspiring content for parents and in-depth research and evaluation. Whether you are a Headteacher, music teacher or parent/guardian contact Voices Foundation to discuss how we can help your school become a singing school for the next academic year.