St John Ambulance CEO to step down next year

Martin Houghton-Brown is to step down from his role as chief executive of St John Ambulance next year.

He will leave the first aid charity after six years in the role at the end of March 2024.

Before joining St John Ambulance Houghton-Brown was chief executive at young homelessness charity Depaul UK for five years.

He also spent three years as chief executive of Missing People, which supports missing adults and runaway children as well as their families and friends.

His other charity sector roles include deputy director, business development and policy adviser at the Children’s Society.

“It has been a privilege to serve for these past six years. My time at St John will always be an extraordinary chapter and I have learned a great deal,” said Houghton-Brown.

“As I support the transformation programme in these last few months, I am grateful for the support of an incredible leadership team. I wish my successor and all St John people every success as they build for the future.”

During his time at the charity, Houghton-Brown oversaw its response to the Covid pandemic as well as developing its volunteering and youth offer to train young first aiders.

However, in September the charity revealed that one in ten of its 1,700 employees will be impacted by a restructure. Its annual report released earlier in the year admitted the charity is facing financial challenges including high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis’ impact on its income.

This annual report also revealed that it had lost almost 4,000 volunteers conceding that its “basic processes” around recruitment “can still be and feel incredibly clunky”.

“I want to thank Martin for his service to St John over the last six years, and for his extraordinary leadership during a tough time for the not-for-profit sector,” said St John Ambulance chair Stuart Shilson.

“Post-pandemic, St John, like many charities, is experiencing a challenging financial situation. We continue to work through the transformation programme to enable us to deliver a sustainable charity for the future, focused on community first aid.

“I am grateful for Martin’s leadership through the first phase of our recovery until the end of March, and look forward to the opportunity to bring in a fresh perspective for the next stage of that journey.”

Shilson added: “I, and the whole of St John, wish Martin well in his next leadership role and look forward to his continued friendship and support for the mission of this wonderful charity.”