Monday 20th December 2010

After three years in post, one of the St John's Ambulance most respected members has retired from his role as Chair of Council.

Ken Cook, from Dronfield and a former Sheffield Headteacher, has been a leading influence within St John Ambulance Derbyshire since 2002 when he joined as Commander.


Ken Cook receives his plaque from Chair of Council (Designate) Dr Cheryle Berry.

He took on the Top Job of leading the County's 1300 uniformed volunteers in 2007 and is now moving to other projects.
  
Renowned for his hands-on approach and respected for his leadership skills, one of Ken's greatest legacies was restructuring the governing Council, which he reformed by bringing in experts and making it more proactive.

Under his leadership, Derbyshire became established as an influence within the organisation nationally and made an impact on a broader scale too, setting up a foundation degree in volunteer management in partnership with the University of Derby. Through this, a number of SJA staff and volunteers went on to gain BA and MA degrees.

Ken now plans to return to studying himself, working towards a doctorate in leadership and management at the University of Derby, where he is a governor. He also plans to develop other interests including a role with Derby NHS Trust.

He will be succeeded as Chair of Council by Dr Cheryle Berry, who paid tribute to Ken's commitment and leadership at a reception last week.

She said: "We have been extremely fortunate to have Ken as Commander and more recently Chair of Council. He has brought many new initiatives into the organisation as well as upholding its traditions.

"His style and leadership have set a very high benchmark, making Derbyshire one of the leading St John Ambulance counties and I'm extremely honoured, as both friend and colleague, to take on the legacy that Ken leaves."

Ken was presented with gifts including a silver salver engraved with the St John Ambulance crest and a citation (pictured above).

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