John McNamara to take over as Interim CEO at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB)

The Federation of Awarding Bodies has today announced the departure of the Federation’s Chief Executive, Stephen Wright, who is due to step down at Christmas to take up a course of study for an MA degree in Assessment in the New Year.

Commenting on Stephen’s departure, Paul Eeles, Chair of the Federation of Awarding Bodies said:
“Stephen is leaving the Federation in great shape with record membership, strong finances and on the back of another incredibly successful conference.

“The whole Board join me in expressing our thanks to Stephen for his contribution to our industry during a very important time for learners, qualifications and skills.”

The search for a replacement has commenced and in the interim, John McNamara, the founding Chair of the Federation, will take over as the Interim Chief Executive to ensure that the key work that the Federation is engaged in continues at a time of great change in apprenticeships and technical education.

John has vast experience within the awarding sector, having recently served as the Managing Director of Innovate Awarding. He is also currently the Chair of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers End-point Assessment Organisations Special Interest Group. This puts the Federation in an ideal position for closer co-ordination between both organisations in this key area of work.

Commenting on his appointment, John McNamara stated:

“I am honoured to have been asked by the Chair and the Board of the Federation to take on this interim role for an organisation that is very close to my heart.

I would also like to thank Stephen and give him my best wishes for his future endeavours. I am really looking forward to continuing the excellent work that the Federation is doing, and to meeting as many members as possible in the time ahead.”

About FAB: The Federation of Awarding Bodies is the membership organisation for technical and professional awarding organisations in the UK. FAB liaises with key stakeholders to represent the interests of awarding organisations and provide information, advice and guidance to support members in providing high quality and valued professional and technical qualifications.