Relate appoints new CEO

Relationship support charity Relate has appointed Aidan Jones OBE as its new chief executive.

Jones was previously executive director of WorldSkills and prior to that, he held the role of chief operating officer at the World Scout Bureau. He will take up the role on 3 September.

The new appointment follows Chris Sherwood’s resignation in July. Sherwood held the position for three years before leaving to become CEO for the RSPCA.

Relate is absolutely delighted to welcome Aidan Jones OBE @AidanJonesOBE as our new Chief Executive. https://t.co/YATTQeYwFG pic.twitter.com/C53gixGPrx
— Relate (@Relate_charity) August 2, 2018

Commenting on the appointment, Relate’s chair of trustees, Simon Wilson said: “Aidan brings wide-ranging experience as a chief executive and senior leader. The recruitment panel were impressed by his extensive management experience, commercial understanding, and enthusiasm for Relate’s vision and mission.

“This is an exciting time for Relate as we focus on delivering social justice by supporting more people from low income and vulnerable groups. I have every confidence that with Aidan leading the organisation we’ll continue to make great strides for those we exist to serve.

“On behalf of the board of the national charity, and indeed of colleagues throughout the Federation, I would also like to thank Chris Sherwood for all that he has achieved for us and wish him well for his exciting new role.”

Jones added: “Having worked for causes seeking to make a positive difference to the lives of others for most of my career, I am delighted to be joining Relate as its new chief executive. I am impressed both by the breadth of Relate’s work and the innovative ways its services are delivered to meet the needs of its clients.

“At different times in my life, I have benefitted personally from mentoring, coaching, counselling and mediation and these lived experiences provide me with an understanding of the positive impact that Relate has on people’s lives. I am therefore eager to play my part as Chief Executive in delivering Relate’s mission to develop and support healthy relationships and to further increase the charity’s positive impact on our society.”