John Poyton is stepping down as chief executive of Redthread after 20 years at the youth work charity.

He joined as a senior youth worker in 2002 and has led the charity since 2009.

Poyton will be replaced on a temporary basis by Tracey Burley, the charity’s current interim deputy chief executive.

After taking a break over the summer he will work as a consultant “to provide assistance as required and to ensure a smooth handover”, said the charity.

“During my time at Redthread there has been tremendous growth, and the chief executive role has evolved in tandem,” said Poyton.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have had the chance to work alongside so many wonderful colleagues at Redthread, in the NHS and with friends and partners across so many sectors throughout the UK and indeed the world.

“It has been a real joy of my life to explore and scale ideas that support young people, and it will be some of these areas that I am excited to develop further as I move forward.

“I am a firm believer in Redthread and all it stands for. I am really proud of everything it has accomplished and look forward to seeing Redthread go from strength to strength in the coming years. I wish the team every success and thank Tracey and all at Redthread for their support."

Redthread’s interim chair Miriam Bullock added: “During John's time at Redthread, the charity has grown enormously and has had a profound impact on the lives of so many young people, as well as on the systems that serve them.

“We would all like to thank John deeply for his commitment and dedication over so many years. He will be deservedly recognised as Redthread's founder and for having pioneered the charity’s innovative work in adolescent health and wellbeing and violence reduction.”

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