The chief executive of a major Cumbrian charity has stepped down after 29 years with the organisation.
Godfrey Owen, 59, joined the South Lakes-based youth development charity Brathay in 1993 as a training consultant.
He was promoted to deputy chief executive in 1997 and became chief executive in 2005.
Brathay said: “Under his leadership the organisation has expanded its youth charity work delivering thousands of life-changing support programmes
every year to children, young people and families in locations across Northern England and in London, tackling knife crime working directly with youth gangs in Lambeth, London.
“Highlights of his 29-year service include securing Government funding to take Brathay’s work into the communities across the country, and winning the largest contract of the charity’s 76-year history, delivering programmes across Europe, Singapore and the US for global management consultancy McKinsey & Co.”
He also set up the charity’s in-house research team, known for developing and contributing to best practice in experiential learning within the youth sector.
More recently, he has been steering the charity towards improved sustainability and nature connection.
Originally from an armed-forces family, Godfrey played a key role in establishing the veteran support charity Future For Heroes and Brathay continues to provide programmes for former service personnel struggling to re-adjust to civilian life.
He said: “Brathay has been a part of me almost from the start of my career. Both my children were born while we were living on the Brathay site, so I have many happy personal and professional memories. Now seemed like the right me to hand over the helm.”
Chair of trustees Andy Watson added: “Godfrey’s tenure at Brathay is impressive and he has almost become part of the fabric of the place. The trustees are very grateful for his stewardship, including the way he has grown and developed its activities.
“Steering the charity through the pandemic was a further noteworthy achievement.
“Godfrey leaves Brathay with our thanks, and best wishes for his future endeavours.”
Godfrey remains living in Cumbria and is now working as a freelance consultant and coach. The charity is currently recruiting for a successor.
