Rob Walton

"Rob Walton struck me immediately as someone who listened with acuity to our members, sought to build effective relationships with schools and Trusts, and offered insight and advice without prejudice. He took part pro bono in a number of Zoom surgeries, at which special school headteachers, Trustees and governors were in attendance. He unfailingly provided perspicacious insight and support, understood the landscape of special schools with fluency and, when warranted, was always prepared to other further support to individual schools.

“He completed land and asset transfers for a number of special schools inside our membership community, on their joining of Cooperative Foundation Trusts and becoming Foundation schools. Headteachers and governors always commented on his efficiency, warmth and professionalism. He was ever available to relevant staff and governors, and was always open to exploring concerns and ideas generated by his clients. Land and assets transfers can be tedious and complex, especially when sites are multi-use, or have limitations placed upon them. He was impressively diligent at pursuing transfers, including chasing local authorities, dealing with existing leases and their transfer and so on. He managed to negotiate even the most labyrinthine of transfers with impressive speed.

“Coop Schools is built on the values of the Cooperative movement: democracy, self-help, self-responsibility, equality, equity, solidarity. Rob has always been in alignment with these values, and is particularly astute about equity. He understands the challenges so many young people face in our unequal world, and clearly wishes to play his part in removing barriers and opening access.

"I wholeheartedly recommend him."