Althea Efunshile

Althea Efunshile CBE has had a 40 year career working primarily in the fields of education, the arts, and children & young people. She is Chair of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, and Chair of Ballet Black.

 

Althea was Deputy Chief Executive of Arts Council England where she was responsible for day to day operational delivery; led on the development and implementation of the Investment Strategy; and led on cultural education and work for children and young people. Prior to joining the Arts Council Althea spent six years as a senior civil servant in the Department for Education and Skills working in various director level roles all concerned with improving outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged children.  From 1996 to 2001, she was a chief officer with the London Borough of Lewisham, first as Director of Education and Community Services, and then as Executive Director for Education and Culture. 

 

Althea has previously been a Trustee and Non-Executive Director of a number of organisations including University College London Hospitals (NHS) Trust; Channel 4; and Goldsmiths College, University of London. 

 

Althea studied at Essex University and Goldsmiths College between 1976 and 1980. She began her career as a secondary school teacher in the London Borough of Brent. 

 

Althea was awarded a CBE in June 2016.