Plymouth Music Zone has appointed its latest Trustee who brings a wealth of experience from a 30 year background working across the public, social enterprise and voluntary sectors. Jo Higson’s career has included working for central government and regional government as well as large national charities and smaller local ones.
Jo has particular expertise and passion for equality, diversity and inclusion. She was involved in the drafting of equality legislation and has worked with many groups navigating disadvantage including disabled students, refugees and asylum seekers, women campaigning for their rights to make informed choices about childbirth, new parents and people underrepresented in their employment area.
Jo feels Plymouth Music Zone is the perfect match for combining her cross sectoral expertise:
“I feel passionate about the work PMZ does as I have seen and experienced its transformational effect myself and through the people I’ve been working with who I’ve taken through the charity’s doors. It fabulously combines diversity and inclusion with the joys of making music: to me a winning combination. So many groups of people get to benefit and I just want to help in any way I can to ensure it keeps doing what it does best. It really is a very special place with very special people and I feel honoured to be able to be a part of it”.
As well as being a keen musician and singer, Jo is also a qualified and experienced trainer, facilitator and life, business and executive coach. PMZ’s Chief Executive, Debbie Geraghty, says she is thrilled to welcome someone with such a diverse set of valuable and supportive skills:
“Many charities are having to successfully traverse increasingly uncertain and challenging times. Having a Board of Trustees and a team that has real diversity of thought and experience at its heart is so crucial to keep us buoyant and resonant. Jo Higson spans all sectors and will bring such important insights. She also cares deeply about what PMZ represents and, like so many others who work here, she has also walked the talk. Valuing the power of lived experience leadership and how it deepens our impact is what really gives Plymouth Music Zone its drive and edge. We seek to invest in and respect people here. I have no doubt that Jo Higson will support us to do that even more effectively and compassionately”.
You can find Jo Higson’s Musical Bio here along with an insight into PMZ’s other Trustees and Special Advisers.