For the first 'A Conversation With...' of the academic year, we caught up with Mr Will Dixon, the College's Bursar. Here we learn more about his career in the Army, a trans-Atlantic row and what gets him out of bed in the morning.
What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake?
I joined Shiplake earlier this year in March. The core responsibility of my role is looking after the financial and operational management of the school, as well as acting as Clerk to the Governors. Our parents make a significant financial sacrifice to send their children to Shiplake, so it's an important responsibility to ensure their investment is being managed wisely for current and future Vikings. I promise I do more than chase school fees!
What were you doing before Shiplake?
Shiplake is my third career. I started life as an Infantry Officer serving with 3rd Battalion of The Rifles Regiment. Whilst this was a dream job for me, it ended prematurely after being seriously injured by an Improvised Explosive Device whilst serving in Afghanistan in late 2009. I then made a completely unplanned, and rather accidental move into banking and began what ended up being a hugely enjoyable, 11-year career, spanning many roles across Barclays Bank. My proudest achievement was actually my first role at the bank. I was brought in to set up the first partnership between a financial institution and the MOD, supporting the transition of injured service personnel into civilian employment. That program has since gone on to become a hugely successful program supporting many thousands of veterans over the years.
What is a day in the life at Shiplake like for Mr Dixon?
The only consistent element is my early morning walk around the estate with my black lab, Isla [See our Dogs of Shiplake page!]. After that no day is the same, and that is very much the appeal of a role like this. Whether it be negotiating new supplier contracts, reviewing policies and responding to emails in my office or out and about meeting with Heads of Departments, inspecting the grounds and development projects or even trying my hand at (unsuccessfully) mending washing machines! One of my focuses for the year ahead is to build out our Estates Development plan beyond the next five years. I hope to share more about this in due course but, with girls arriving in Year 7 from next September, and demand for places across all year groups continuing to grow year on year, it's really important that we continue to invest in the long term development of our estate.
How would you describe 'Row to Recovery' and what impact has it had?
Six men who had barely rowed before, seven working legs between, aiming to raise £1m for charity by crossing the Atlantic in a 32 foot boat, what's not to love! Both the greatest and most challenging experience of my life and one that I'm very proud of. On a personal level it helped rebuild my sense of purpose and achievement after having my military career cut short. But on a much wider level it was amazing to raise over £1m for Service Charities and more importantly raise the profile of what could be achieved beyond injury. We limped across the finish line after 51 days at sea having dealt with a broken water maker, broken steering and broken rudder. However, our misfortune had managed to garner quite a following online and in the mainstream media; leading to a call from Prince Harry, a telegram from the Queen on arrival and most impressively being met by Cliff Richard on our arrival in Barbados!
What is the best thing about working at Shiplake?
I'm lucky to have inherited a brilliant team of passionate staff. From our amazing domestic team who make sure the school is clean, our maintenance and grounds team who work so hard to keep the estate well-managed and fit for purpose; right across to my bursary and accounts team who work week-in and week-out to ensure we keep on top of all of the financial transactions and parental and staff queries. The privilege of leading these great people and working with a team so aware and focused on their unified purpose - delivering an inspirational environment for our pupils - is what gets me out of bed in the morning (on top of the wailing of my 12-month-old son).
What do you do away from work?
I've been lucky enough to married to Mia for almost five years and have a young family - Beatrice is almost three and Ollie is almost one; those two do a pretty good job of keeping me busy when I'm not in work. Outside of family life though I'm a huge Gloucester Rugby fan and try and get to a few games a year, when time allows. Having recently stepped down after nine years on the Board of Blesma - The Limbless Veterans Charity, I'm enjoying a bit more free-time before I start looking for a new Trustee/Governor position to lend my experience to.
What does the future hold for Mr Dixon?
Hopefully plenty of happy years at Shiplake to come and getting to see my two young children grow up. Who knows, potentially becoming Vikings themselves in a few years.
