By: Andy Woodward

Andy Woodward — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:38:12 +0000

This is a vindictive and petty article, couched in terms of reasonableness. The premise that TeachFirst need help in forthcoming tough times is wilfully misleading, given that the report from 2011 is one presenting remarkably rapid growth in activities and funds raised during that year – growth largely attributable to government grants and corporate support (neither of which is eligible for Gift Aid as it is). The repeated comparisons between the wages of its executives and average UK workers is also vaccuous. In what economic model outside of North Korea would the employer of 164 staff be paid the average national wage – particularly in a time of double dip recession?
What I saw when I looked at the accounts was an effective and well run company with numerous Outstanding features, generating a turnover of over £10 million. This perhaps explains its place in the Top 10 of Top Graduate Employers, as ranked by The Times. To be in this position with only eight employees earning above £60k suggests a very tight ship and an absolute minimum of indulgence. It would appear that the CEO does indeed earn a low six-figure sum (indeed, he/she is the only one who does) which, considering that back in 2009 The Guardian found that ‘The average chief executive of a blue-chip company now earns a basic salary of £791,000′, is pretty good going! Try finding someone with the experience and expertise to steer a company of this size for significantly less than that and good luck getting anywhere. Those who succeed in pioneering successful business models; particularly if, unlike most, their businesses benefit struggling children and schools rather than maximising profit, deserve to be reasonably rewarded for their initiative. Perhaps then others may seek to emulate them. This seems a counter-productive and embittered left wing assault on a welcome success story and thus a thoroughly depressing read.

Comments on: Charity Begins At Home: TeachFirst’s Executive Pay

By: Andy Woodward