CEO of high-profile Reading charity to leave
Ian Caren has been with the charity for 15 years
The Chief Executive of one of Reading's best known charity's is leaving.
Ian Caren the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Launchpad for more than 15 years, has announced he is leaving the charity on 30 April 2021. His departure will see him resume his work in criminal justice with the National Probation Service.
Under Ian’s leadership since 2006, the charity launched new services such as legal advice and drop-in; opened Reading’s first work and life skills centre; built new long-term accommodation for those in housing need; rebranded from Reading Single Homeless Project to Launchpad; raised record amounts of money to support the charity’s work; and expanded staff and volunteer teams to support the growing number of vulnerable people in Reading.
In October 2020, Ian undertook the role of Director of Strategic Planning, working alongside the Board of Trustees to focus on the charity’s housing strategy. Su Hamblyn, Launchpad’s Director of Operations, was appointed as Acting CEO. The Board are now commencing the recruitment of a permanent CEO to lead Launchpad in the next phase of the charity’s 42-year journey.
Ian Caren said:
“It has been an honour to serve as CEO of Launchpad and it’s a time in my career that I will always cherish. I am proud to say that Launchpad now offers more support to the community than ever before – and the charity’s growth and success has been achieved with the hard work of an incredibly dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers, and with the overwhelming generosity from Launchpad’s supporters. As I move on to pastures new, homelessness is a topic that will remain close to my heart and I won’t forget the privilege it’s been to witness thousands of people get the life-changing support they need.”
Suzanne Stallard, Chair of Trustees at Launchpad, said:
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Ian Caren for his outstanding contribution to Launchpad. He has transformed the charity in both scale and ambition during his 15 year tenure, and he leaves a strong and lasting legacy at Launchpad. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment, energy and great passion for homelessness prevention, and we wish him the very best for the future.”