THE 'no-nonsense' chief executive of a hostel for homeless people has stood down for personal reasons after more than a decade at the helm.
Jonathan Sutton, chief executive of St Paul's Hostel in Tallow Hill in Worcester, said his aim was always to leave the charity in a better shape than when he found it and feels he has done this.
This view was echoed by the charity's trustees in a statement about the instrumental role Mr Sutton, a 57-year-old Army veteran, played during his 10-year tenure.
Serving in the British Army for 30 years, Mr Sutton (who left the Army as a lieutenant colonel) was known for his direct, no-nonsense style of leadership and fearlessness in challenging the status quo.
In a statement, published on social media, Philip Fowler, chairman of the trustees wrote: "Sadly as of April 3 Jonathan Sutton has stepped down, with immediate effect, as CEO of St Paul's Hostel for personal reasons.
"Jonathan has been instrumental in the positive changes that have happened at St Paul's in recent years. Especially around trauma-informed care and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the city and wider county.
"St Paul's is a better place and a place under Jonathan's leadership that has strived to help people live through homelessness.
"He has made very important contributions to the wider voluntary and charity community in the county and has never been afraid to challenge and question the status quo.
"Obviously, we are deeply saddened by these events but want to assure you that the trustees and staff are committed to ensure that our priorities do not waiver and we are fully committed to ensuring that we continue to deliver essential services to people who are experiencing homeless and support them through this sudden change.
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"I offer you assurance that the Senior Management Team are working closely with our Trustees to develop a plan that incorporates immediate and short term priorities as well as medium and long term solutions."
Mr Sutton said: "There’s a Sandhurst maxim about leadership being both a privilege and a burden. After 10 and a half years at the helm, the role takes its toll on mind, body and spirit. Now is as good time as ever to take some R&R.
"I’m leaving the charity knowing it has a first class bunch of trustees, an excellent leadership team and staff who are second to none. The service we created offer people experiencing homelessness to best opportunity - ever - to help themselves, to recover from addiction and contribute again to society.
"Looking back we’ve achieved a lot; A 2014 reorganisation following severe (but necessary) funding cuts, we brought in the psychological informed approach, we have created a strong fundraising capability, we played our part in Worcestershire’s first Housing First service and we kept the hostel open - and no body died - during the 2 years of Covid. I know my no nonsense style wasn’t to everyone’s taste but I like to think I got stuff done.
"I’d like to thank a few people who helped me paddle. My ever optimistic wife, the current and former Trustees, the Leadership Team, Sean Williams, Kath Cobain, Matt Burke, Jerry Reakes Williams, Suzie James and Simon Adams."
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