Justin Humphreys has resigned as co-chief executive of the Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight after 16 years at the organisation.
Humphreys has been co-chief executive for 10 years and is stepping down to explore new ventures and allow the organisation to embrace fresh perspectives for its next stage of growth, the charity said.
Thirtyone:eight provides churches, faith groups, individuals and the government with safeguarding tools needed to protect vulnerable people.
Humphreys is Thirtyone:eight’s chief executive and head of safeguarding development, while co-chief executive Steve Ball is also the charity’s head of business development.
The departing chief executive joined the charity in 2010 as a safeguarding and policy advisor before he was promoted to head of safeguarding in 2013.
Thirtyone:eight is recruiting for a single chief executive, with Ball set to become the charity’s chief operating officer.
“It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve God through the ministry of Thirtyone:eight,” Humphreys said.
“To see so much change and be a part of that change alongside so many incredible colleagues over the past 16 years has been amazing.
“Thirtyone:eight has become the ‘go-to’ organisation for safeguarding support across an ever-widening landscape.
“Consequently, we have been able to positively affect the lives of countless thousands of people, whether directly or indirectly. It has been a joy to lead this organisation.”
Humphreys said one of the “hardest decisions” for a leader to make was knowing when to leave.
“This is a departure on good terms at a time that I believe is right, both for myself and the charity,” he said.
Ball said serving alongside Humphreys had been an “immense privilege”.
He said: “I’m deeply grateful to have worked with someone whose passion and commitment to protecting people from harm and creating safer places for all has been evident in everything he does.
“He leaves with our full blessing, and we wish him every success for the future.
“Justin departs with the organisation in a strong position, and I look forward to continuing to support the board as we enter a new phase of our journey together.”