The VOICE of Ian Lush OBE, Class of 1978
In this engaging episode of 'What I Really Learnt at School - Alfredian Voices,' Ian Lush, OBE candidly reflects on his challenging yet fulfilling journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recorded in early 2021 via Zoom with Tamlyn Worrall, Development & Alumni Relations Director at King Alfred School, Ian shares his experiences managing NHS charities amidst unprecedented circumstances.
Ian shares a detailed account of his year, primarily spent working from home as the Chief Executive of Imperial Healthcare Trust and Chair of NHS Charities. He reflects on the early move to close their office, his role as chair, and the overwhelming support following the national appeal and Captain Tom's fundraising phenomenon. Ian discusses the operational challenges and extraordinary teamwork involved in rapidly distributing funds to the NHS frontline. Additionally, he shares personal anecdotes, from receiving an OBE to his musical journey and reasons for transitioning from professional music to arts management.
Ian reminisces about his 14 years at King Alfred School, emphasizing the school's liberal values, sense of community, and the lasting impact of influential teachers. The conversation explores the school's unique ethos, extracurricular activities, and his lifelong involvement in various committees, underscoring a commitment to making a difference.
Creators and Guests
Composer
Amy Cash
Amy Cash is an actress, VoiceOver artist and an Old Alfredian from the Class of 2020, having joined The King Alfred School (KAS) for Sixth Form. Since KAS, she has gone on to train at Mountview Drama School and is pursuing a career in acting. She kindly offered to lend us her voice and record the introductions for Alfredian Voices - with a little help from Dan in music. Make sure to watch out for an Amy shaped space on a stage or screen near you soon!
Producer
Heather Roberts
Alumni and Development Officer: Heather has been the Alumni and Development Officer at The King Alfred School since 2020. Having become disillusioned with her career in the fashion industry Heather moved to this role within Development and Alumni Relations, pulling on her transferable skills. Heather credits her ease at engaging with new people and different audiences with having lived overseas for seven years in Moscow, Russia and Bogota, Colombia. As a self-confessed nosey person who likes a good natter, the Alfredian Voices podcast has been the dream project for Heather to work on.
Guest
Ian Lush OBE
Ian joined the Imperial Health Charity as Chief Executive in December 2014, having previously led the Architectural Heritage Fund for 11 years. Following an MA in music at the University of York, Ian started his career as a viola player with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, later moving into arts management, including as Marketing Director at the Barbican Centre, and Managing Director of the London Mozart Players. Ian was Lead Governor of Great Ormond Street Hospital Foundation Trust from 2012 to 2015 and also served on its strategy and redevelopment boards. He founded and directed ‘Discovering Places’, one of the major projects of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, and was Deputy Chair of the Heritage Alliance from 2005 to 2013. Ian became Chair of NHS Charities Together in March 2020 and was awarded an OBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours for charitable services to the NHS.
Producer
Tamlyn Worrall
Development & Alumni Relations Director: As a consummate professional in the Alumni Relations and Development space, Tamlyn brings years of experience to cultivating relationships with our Old Alfredians. With a footprint in South Africa, Australia, and Japan, Tamlyn proudly calls London home, and it’s here that she’s developed her career in the education sector. At the heart of what she does, Tamlyn loves connecting with and learning about our OAs. She approaches every conversation with a sincere curiosity and warmth, finding herself fascinated by the details of every story. This podcast series was a germ of an idea in 2020 and thanks to a fabulous podcast editor we have finally been able to bring these Old Alfredian stories to a wider audience.
