18 September 2007
Christopher Spence CBE, Chief Executive of Volunteering England, the national volunteering development agency, has decided to retire on medical advice following a recent illness.
He has been at the centre of volunteering in England for the past nine years, as Chief Executive of the National Centre for Volunteering for six years, and then of Volunteering England since its creation in April 2004.
On his decision to step down, Christopher Spence said:
“I shall be retiring mindful of the enormous privilege and pleasure it has been to work with remarkable people in both Volunteering England and the wider sector. As I recover my health and look forward to the next phase of my life, I am very confident in a strong future for volunteering, as well as for Volunteering England, which I wish continuing success.”
Dr. Mike Nussbaum, Chair of Volunteering England, said:
“It is with great sadness that we have accepted Christopher’s decision to retire. Christopher has a unique ability to combine inspirational leadership and good humour with his unswerving commitment, passion and deep belief in volunteering.
“I, like many others, have valued him as a colleague. He has done a remarkable job and will be sorely missed by staff, trustees and members alike.”
Dr. Justin Davis Smith, Deputy Chief Executive, commenting on Christopher’s decision, said:
“Volunteering has become recognised over the past decade as one of the most important social movements of our time – capable of transforming society and of building strong and active communities. Christopher has been at the heart of the volunteering movement during this period and has done more than perhaps any other individual in championing the cause of volunteering and bringing it into the mainstream of public policy.”
Justin Davis Smith will continue as Acting Chief Executive until a new Chief Executive is appointed. Details of the recruitment process will be announced shortly.
