An independent reviewer has described Oak Hill as healthier than it was, according to the Church Times, which was leaked a summary and “lessons learned”.
It follows the March 2023 resignation of Johnny Juckes as Principal of the college after five years in post. The review aimed to assess Oak Hill’s organisational health, governance, leadership and strategic alignment. It was commissioned one year on from the appointment of James Robson as Principal and conducted by an independent reviewer with experience in Christian organisational culture.
The Church Times said the review called for “restoration, forgiveness and healing” and that the college was in a “significantly healthier place than it was 18 months ago”. en understands that the completed review, which was internal and never intended for public release, was in fact given to Oak Hill seven months ago, though its details have only just been leaked to the Church Times.
At the time of its completion in April, the report highlighted various concerns including council operations, the “need for reconciliation and healing in some working relationships, relationships between departments” communications, feedback, professional working practices and “disposition towards others.” It is understood many of these issues have now either been worked through or are continuing to be tackled.
Principal James Robson told en: “The Church Times report spoke of the work of the independent reviewer and the way this review helped identify a snapshot of the current culture of the staff team at Oak Hill. Whilst there were rightly tough things said within the review and there were lessons to learn, there was much that was positively reported as well.
“We have been prayerfully reflecting on the content and recommendations of the review together as a college and addressing the concerns highlighted. It has been encouraging to see significant progress, though we are not complacent. One particular joy has been seeing processes of healing and reconciliation after a difficult time - since the review we are in a much better place.
“Oak Hill exists to see the church flourish. We have been keen to address our own organisational health and the review was one part of that. We remain committed to listening, learning and making necessary improvements to ensure Oak Hill is a place where staff and students thrive.”
