Canon Joy Tubbs MBE, Director of Education, has shared the news that she will be retiring at the end of April 2023.
Bishop Stephen said: "In my short time in the diocese as Bishop I have been bowled over by Joy’s leadership, tenacity, friendship, and encouragement. School inspectors often visit and provide their assessment of teaching and learning. Joy’s contribution to the young people of our diocesan schools is unequivocally OUTSTANDING in all aspects. I give thanks to God for her and for all that she has given so generously. May retirement be a blessing to Joy as she has been a blessing to so many."
The Ven Antony MacRow-Wood, Archdeacon of Dorset, and Chair of the DBE said: "Salisbury DBE is recognised as a leader in the sector and is deeply trusted and appreciated by our church schools.
"Not only are we now the sole sponsor of our own highly successful academy trust (DSAT) but we have pioneered a mixed multi academy trust landscape that is providing safe homes for our church schools as the Government’s policy towards full academisation gathers pace.
"Under her highly strategic leadership the finances of the DBE have been transformed and a path to sustainability established. She has led the staff with rigour and compassion and high morale has been a hallmark of her tenure.
"Joy has been deeply embedded serving on the Regional Headteacher Board and successive Regional School’s Commissioners have learned to trust and appreciate her insight and wisdom. Her joyful Christian faith has been the golden thread running through all she is and does. We will miss her enormously and wish every blessing for the future."
David Pain, Diocesan Sectary said: "As Diocesan Director of Education, Joy has led a remarkable transition in the school environment with the creation of our diocesan multi academy trust and an engagement with other MATS that means our diocesan schools have a future in which the Christian identity of Church of England schools is secure. This places them at the heart of being a Christian presence across the communities of our diocese. Around this has been a huge amount of other work helping school leadership and governance adapt to a new environment and maximise the benefits for children and young people.
"As a colleague Joy has been an inspiration to many in her willingness to lead change in culture and a focus on impact and results in the lives of children and young people. Raising the voices of CYP is now central to the future vision of the church here.
"We wish her a long and happy retirement."