Thirtyone:eight, the UK’s leading independent Christian safeguarding charity, today announced that one of its joint chief executives, Justin Humphreys, will be stepping down after 10 years in the role, and 16 years with the charity.
Alongside his co-CEO, Steve Ball, Justin has led the charity through a period of major transformation and growth, strengthening its voice and reach across the faith and charity sector and beyond. Under their joint leadership, the charity has continued as the go-to organisation for trusted safeguarding advice and guidance, and the number of organisations the charity supports has grown to over 12,000 across the UK and internationally.
With Thirtyone:eight now supporting more organisations and individuals than ever before in its history, Justin has decided the time is right to explore new ventures and allow the organisation to embrace fresh perspectives for its next stage of growth. He will continue promoting and fostering safer cultures and communities by helping leaders collaborate to align their strategy, culture, and practices.
The Board of Trustees have begun the recruitment process to ensure a smooth transition as the charity looks ahead to celebrating 50 years of creating safer places in 2027 and the next chapter in its story.
Justin says,
“It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve God through the ministry of Thirtyone:eight. 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.
One of the hardest decisions for a leader to make is 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.”
Steve Ball, Joint-CEO of Thirtyone:eight, said:
“Serving alongside Justin as joint CEO has been an immense privilege. 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”.
Peter Wharrad, Chair of the Trustees, said:
“Justin has led the organisation through a period of significant change and momentum in safeguarding, particularly within faith communities. His dedication to this cause - evident in his contributions to government inquiries, his writing and speaking, and his representation of the charity among our many partners and networks - has been outstanding. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside him. As the organisation prepares for a leadership transition, our vision remains clear: to work towards a world where every child and adult can feel, and be, safe.”