St Edmund’s College is pleased to welcome Graham Watson, who will start as Interim Bursar on 2 November.

Graham, for the last 17 years, was CEO of the Seckford Foundation. The Foundation is an endowed charity based in Suffolk whose aim is the care and education of the young and old. The Foundation includes Woodbridge School, five academies, Seckford Care for older people and the Springboard programme for marginalised and disadvantaged young people.

Before joining the Seckford Foundation Graham was Deputy Chief Executive of the National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts (NESTA), a non-departmental public body set up by the Lottery Act 1998. NESTA funded programmes for creativity, invention and innovation, and education.

Prior to working for NESTA and after 10 years in commerce, he was Director of Finance and Support Services for The Prince’s Trusts and Royal Jubilee Trusts.

Graham is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and has extensive knowledge of charity law, tax regulation and governance issues. Graham has been a board member of a number of other charities including Community Action Suffolk and Suffolk Libraries.

Catherine Arnold OBE, Master of St Edmund’s College, said on Graham’s appointment:

“I am delighted to welcome Graham to St Edmund’s College at this important moment. St Edmund’s is a vibrant community of nearly 1000 senior members, students and staff. Graham will have a central role to play through this Academic Year as the College continues to respond proactively to COVID-19, while delivering an internationally renowned Cambridge education and supporting our diverse community. I look forward to working with Graham as we benefit from his skills and experience.”