It is with Sadness that we have to report the recent death of our friend and ex colleague Elizabeth Stanton Jones.
Elizabeth joined PSL in 1990 when it was set up by Lord Keith Joeseph, who had been the Chairman of the Board of Trade. Elizabeth was recruited from CBI by Kenneth Cherrett the then Director General.
Ken remembers Elizabeth as an inspiration. She joined PSL as PA/Administrator and there was much to be done to get the fledgling initiative organised, and up and running. Elizabeth took to the task immediately, and as a result, PSL benefitted enormously. She struck up a rapport with existing and new members alike and for many became the first point of contact.
She organised many workshops and conferences. Amongst them what was to become the highlight of the ICW Calender - the annual Collaborative Reception at the House of Lords. It was the to become the template for such events in the future and is still run to that template today.
Elizabeth was intelligent, hardworking, loyal, and although feisty at times her heart was always in the right place. Ken said that for him personally it was a privilege to have known her.
Ken's successor as CEO Les Pyle also shared the following words:
"When I took over as CEO in 2001 PSL was changing from a government-funded entity to a self-financing, not-for-profit organisation, meaning a totally new approach for the business. Elizabeth embraced this change with enthusiasm and her customary hard work. Elizabeth took on a wide range of varied tasks including membership liaison, organising networking events and project support for a growing range of collaboration projects."
She is seen here with members at an event organised by Elizabeth in the newly opened London Eye.
Les remembers one of the biggest single projects that PSL/ICW has delivered to date, orchestrating an 8-day visit of 15 senior Thai Civil Servants to the UK, which Elizabeth personally managed.
This knowledge sharing exchange involved meetings with UK businesses and Government departments. Our responsibility began on their arrival at Heathrow, and covered the total delivery of the whole business/social programme and, full accommodation. It ended when they were safely on the plane back to Thailand - we didn't lose anyone (only temporarily!).
Apart from her contribution to the business, Elizabeth was a fascinating character with a wealth of life experiences to share, which we often used to chat about.
David Hawkins, who worked with Elizabeth for 20 years, was so sad to hear of Elizabeth's passing, and paid this tribute:
"When I first joined PSL back in the 90's it was clear that Elizabeth was the backbone of the organisation. She made me feel welcome but was at the same time a forceful matriarch. We would all be organised and at times it felt like being back a school - matron, or tutor, I was never sure... perhaps both - but you could not but appreciate her commitment.
"In those days she organised everything with regimental efficiency and kept us all in line, including at times our members, but was always there to help and encourage in whatever we did."
My personal reflection on my time working with Elizabet is of gratitude for her meticulous and thorough instruction. I learned so much from her, and that grounding gave me the base to build what I do for ICW even now.
Elizabeth was one of those people whose influence made a difference to other people's lives for the better.
Elizabeth's funeral service will take place at 11am on 10 December at St Pancras Church, Euston Road NW1 2BA. Nick - Elizabeth's son - has extended an invitation for all those who would like to attend. You are very welcome to join us for a celebration of Elizabeth's life. Following the service, you are warmly invited to join the family in the Exchange Room at the St Pancras London Hotel, Euston Road NW1 2AR for refreshments and an opportunity to share your memories of Elizabeth.
If you can't attend in person you can join via the following link. We know that there are many in the UK and overseas who cannot join us in the church but would like to watch the service. We have arranged for the service to be streamed and you can watch it at https://www.funeralstreaming.co.uk/watch/57343/. We anticipate the video will start at approximately 10.45am UK time. The link will remain active after the service so that you can watch later if that is more convenient for you.
Instead of flowers, you may wish to consider making a donation to Water Aid, a charity Elizabeth supported for many years, You can do so at .
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Elizabeth's son Nick on 07715 002644 or by email at Nicholas.Stanton@btinternet.com.
