Celebrating Norman Murray CBE's Leadership and Welcoming Alison Cornwell CA
Norman Murray CBE has a saying that anyone who has worked with him will recognise: as long as you're "adding value and making a difference", what more do you need to have a good day
After six years as a Trustee, four of them as our Chair, Norman has now completed his term. Alison Cornwell CA, who joined the board in September 2025, takes over as Chair.
We marked Norman's contribution with a special event alongside his final board meeting. Donors, partners, ICAS Past Presidents, the ICAS Executive, former Trustees and students all came, which says a lot about how many people Norman has worked with along the way.
Sanjay Singh, our Managing Director, has worked alongside Norman for a little over four years.
"Working with Norman over the years has been a privilege. He is a natural mentor and is deeply passionate about the charitable mission. The relationship between charity leadership and Chair is so important to get right. This one delivered on all counts, and the organisation has flourished as a result."
Sanjay puts their working relationship down to three things: no surprises, no politics, and shared accountability.
"It's simple but effective, and unfortunately, all too rare to find. But when you do find it, trust gives the leader of an organisation the confidence to find a path of bravery and boldness."
Norman was quick to say it had always been a team effort.
"It was a wonderful tribute to have, and the words of everyone who contributed mean so much to me. The Foundation team and fellow trustees will continue this valuable work to change the lives of deserving young people."
Norman isn't going far. He will continue as the leading patron of our legacy giving, drawing on long experience of legacy and endowment fundraising.
We're very much looking forward to Alison leading the Trustees as our new Chair, and to supporting many more young people from lower-income backgrounds into the profession.
Thank you, Norman, for everything you have given the Foundation and the students we support.
