Althea Efunshile facts for kids

Althea Joy Barrett Efunshile (born on August 20, 1956) is an important leader in the British public sector. This means she has held many senior jobs working for the government and public organizations in the United Kingdom. She is known for her work in education, arts, and culture.

Althea Efunshile's Education Journey

Althea Efunshile studied a lot to prepare for her career. She earned a degree in sociology from the University of Essex. Sociology is the study of how people live and interact in groups. She also received a teaching certificate (PGCE) from Goldsmiths, University of London. Later, she completed a diploma in management studies (DMS) from Buckinghamshire College.

Her Career in Public Service

Althea Efunshile started her career in teaching and youth work. She also worked in educational administration. From 1996 to 2001, she was a director for education and culture in the London Borough of Lewisham.

After that, she joined the Department for Education and Skills. This is a government department that deals with education. From 2001 to 2006, she led the Children's and Young People's Unit. She also directed the group that helped vulnerable children.

In 2007, Althea joined Arts Council England. This organization supports arts and culture across England. She started as an executive director. She became chief operating officer from 2009 to 2012. Then, she served as deputy chief executive starting in 2012. She left this role in October 2016.

In December 2016, she was considered for a director position at Channel 4. This is a major TV channel in the UK. She was later appointed to the Channel 4 Board in December 2017.

In 2016, she became the first chair of the National College Creative Industries. This college helps train people for jobs in creative fields. She has also been a Council Member at Goldsmiths, University of London.

As of March 2020, Althea Efunshile holds several important roles. She is the Chair of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing. She is also a director at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She continues to be a director for Channel 4. Additionally, she is the Chair of Ballet Black, a dance company.

Recognizing Her Achievements

Althea Efunshile has been recognized for her important work. In 2013, she was included in the Power List. This list names some of Britain's most influential Black people.

In April 2016, she was listed as number 43 in the "Top 100 BAME business leaders in the UK." BAME stands for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic. This list highlights top leaders from diverse backgrounds. She was also included in this list again in October 2017.

For her services to arts and culture, Althea Efunshile received a special award. She was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2016. This is a high honor given by the British monarch.