Former Culture Secretary James Purnell MP has moved from the DCMS to become Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. His successor is Andy Burnham MP, who has been promoted from Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He was a special adviser at the DCMS during Tony Blair's first term in power, when Chris Smith was Culture Secretary. Alan Davey, former Director of Culture at the DCMS, has taken up his new position as Chief Executive of Arts Council England.
The new Director of Norfolk Dance is Derek Purnell (pictured.) He was formerly Chief Executive at the Birmingham Royal Ballet for 16 years, where he managed the company’s relocation from Sadler’s Wells to Birmingham in 1990 and its separation from the Royal Opera House in 1997.
Bryony Duncan, who in a previous role worked at Crisis, the national homelessness charity, has joined Audiences London as Research Manager. She is joined by a team of two Research Assistants, Dan Cowley and Julian Becker.
The Forestry Commission has appointed artist Hayley Skipper (pictured) as its first Arts Development Officer at Grizedale Forest Park in the Lake District.
Monika Neall is the new Head of Communications at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton. She previously worked at Key103’s Manchester Kids charity and at the Greenroom in Manchester.
Claudia West (pictured) will be joining Theatre Is… as Projects Producer. Previously she worked for Box Clever as Production and Operations Manager.
University of the Arts London has appointed Nigel Carrington, formerly Managing Director, and Deputy Chairman of the McLaren Group, as its new Rector.
The Bristol Visual Arts Consortium has appointed Miranda Jacobs as Project Manager. She was most recently an independent arts consultant, prior to which she established the first Communications Department at the Crafts Council and was Marketing Director at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.
After eight years George Vass has stepped down as Music Director of Finchley Choral Society. Grace Rossiter (pictured) picks up the baton to conduct her first major concert with the choir next month.
Andrew Whitman, currently Commissioning Executive for UKTV, is to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Phoenix Arts. He will be taking responsibility for the Digital Media Centre currently being developed in the heart of Leicester’s cultural quarter.
Karen Goddard (pictured) is the new Marketing Officer at Eastern Angles Theatre Company. She has previously been a freelance education feature writer and publicity officer for Red Rose Chain Film & Theatre Company.
Stephanie Hernandez, arts practitioner and radio broadcaster, leaves her job as Cultural Diversity Officer at Derby City Council to take up the post of Programme Co-ordinator for the East Midlands at Apples & Snakes.
Oxford Playhouse has promoted Michelle Dickson (pictured) to become Director, succeeding outgoing Director Tish Francis, who becomes Director Emeritus.
Julia Twomlow (pictured) is the new Director of the Leach Pottery and Museum in St Ives. Formerly she was Director of the Acorn Theatre in Penzance.