Tributes have been made following the death of David Perkins, former CEO of Services For Education.  He died following a serious traffic accident on 21^st August 2019. He was 65-years old.

David was the founding CEO of Services For Education.  His vision and drive led to the Birmingham Music, Health Education and Learning and Assessment Services spinning out of Birmingham City Council in 2012 – and forming Services For Education. It was a groundbreaking development and secured the future for the services at a time when many similar organisations were being cut and reduced across the country.

David led the organisation until his retirement in the summer of 2016. He had previously been the Head of Birmingham Music Service and a Principal Adviser at Birmingham Advisory and Support Service.

Martin Chitty, Chair of Trustees for Services For Education:

“David was a man of great energy, enthusiasm, integrity and good humour – driven by a desire to improve the lives of those using the services we now provide.

“David had a strong vision for Services For Education – both what was needed and what could be achieved. It was that foresight and determination that led to each of the trustees being involved.

“On behalf of all current and former trustees, I want to express our thanks for his work and our great sadness that David has been taken from us in this way. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends.”

Martyn Collin, current CEO: 

“I was lucky enough to work with David from April 2004 when we were both Principal Advisers at Birmingham Advisory and Support Service. I was new into post, and David was a great support to me in my first year.

“Always willing to listen, I valued his balanced, thoughtful approach and ability to help find solutions and overcome challenges with innovative solutions. David made a huge contribution to education through his leadership of the Music Service and development of Services For Education but I will remember him mostly for his friendship, warmth, and sensitivity.”

Andrew Cooper Head of School Support Service:

“In the two years I worked directly with David, he was massively supportive and helped me to develop my skills and experience, always making time to talk and offer his understanding  and guidance.

“David placed great importance on growing the company from within and was always keen for staff to be provided with new opportunities to develop and further their careers. He clearly understood and valued the importance of the work of the advisory team and the difference it made academically and emotionally to children and young people.

“David had a sense of fun and energy that was so important in the early stages of SFE and made working with him an enjoyable time. He carried people with him and was a widely respected figure in, and beyond the company.”

Stuart Birnie, Head of Music Service:

“Having known David for 28 years, I can honestly say that he really did always have time for everyone. Not just Music Service staff but everyone he came into contact with. 

“David was a staunch supporter of Music Education across the West Midlands and even when he moved to the Advisory Service in the 1990s still played an active role seeing the benefits of a creative curriculum in Birmingham Schools. 

“Without David’s drive and hard work, Services For Education would not be in the form that it is today. He had the vision to help move it out of the city council and form SFE and we have him to thank for this.”