Chief Executive of St Christopher’s Fellowship, Ron Giddens, has announced his decision to retire in 2018.

Ron began working at St Christopher’s in 2000 as a Director responsible for our services before taking over as Chief Executive in 2016.

During Ron’s time at St Christopher’s the charity has grown from a small provider of residential and housing services in London to a significantly larger, specialist and more diverse organisation working across South East England, the West Midlands and on the Isle of Man providing supported accommodation, children’s homes, fostering, education and specialist support services to children in care, leaving care and on the edge of care.

Ron said: “Over the past 18 years I have been enormously privileged to work with dedicated colleagues right across the organisation, delivering and supporting amazing services to many children, young people and their families. This dedication, expertise and passion is so evident to anyone who visits our services and talks to our staff.”

“Thank you to everyone for your support and your continued commitment in providing services we can all be proud of to the children, young people and their families that we work with.”

Chair of Trustees Hanif Barma said: “Ron has brought new energy to St Christopher’s as Chief Executive. He’s led innovative initiatives, worked with Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team to create a strong and positive culture, and improved financial stability. His experience and enthusiasm will be missed, and I will be looking for his successor to continue where Ron leaves off.”

Although retiring as CEO, Ron will continue in a part-time capacity, undertaking specific areas of work to enable a smooth transition for his successor with the support of St Christopher’s leadership team.

The recruitment process will take place over the coming months, with the aim of having a successor in post by the end of the year.