After an extensive search, led by Saxton Bampfylde, Oasis Community Learning has announced that John Barneby has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Oasis Community Learning. John has been part of the Oasis family for 15 years, with the last seven years as Chief Operating Officer, before becoming interim and now permanent Chief Executive.
This was a rigorous process, taking four months, with sixteen steps, and in-keeping with Oasis’s commitment to empowering young people, students were at the heart of it. They joined panels alongside the more traditional recruitment process, which included academy Principals, Regional Directors, the Oasis Founder and board members.
John’s appointment heralds a new and exciting time for Oasis. He joins a group of CEOs across the wider work (supported housing, justice and health initiatives, and children’s/ youth/ families work) as Oasis continues to focus on its commitment to integrated and holistic community development with the goal of creating change – educationally, economically, socially, environmentally, physically, and spiritually.
Caroline Taylor – Chair of the OCL Board, Dave Parr – Oasis Group CEO, and Steve Chalke – Founder of Oasis:
“Leading Oasis Community Learning is one of the most exciting jobs in education, so we are not surprised to have had such a talented field of candidates. In the end, we were moved by John’s vision for the future, and his unwavering commitment to providing the best educational opportunities for every young person in the Oasis family, and to support communities that are socially and economically disadvantaged. We were impressed by his deep understanding of the broader challenges and opportunities we face, his ability to engage, listen, learn, and collaborate, and the way he leads with both passion and compassion.
This is an exciting time for Oasis, as we continue the search for our new Chief Education Officer who will work alongside John, giving us both the organisational and educational leadership necessary to transform our schools and to play a key role in the Oasis mission to build stronger communities.”
John Barneby – Chief Executive Officer, Oasis Community Learning:
“Oasis is an incredible organisation going further, deeper and wider to bring about change, in society and in people’s lives through the development of our holistic model of education and our wrap around community support to students and their families.
This year will be my 15th year at Oasis and I can honestly say that I feel more committed than ever to delivering our vision for education and healthy communities, by creating places where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their God given potential. Working in education is such a privilege and seeing the difference our amazing teams are making to bring greater equity and life choices to our students feels more like a mission for life, than a job. I feel honoured to be able to lead the organisation going forward as CEO of our education function.”