Thirtyone:eight appoints new CEO to lead Christian safeguarding charity into its next chapter
Thirtyone:eight, the UK's leading Christian safeguarding charity, appoints Therese Reinheimer-Jones as its new CEO, marking a new chapter in its vital work.
The UK's leading independent Christian safeguarding charity, Thirtyone:eight, has announced the appointment of Therese Reinheimer-Jones as its new Chief Executive Officer. This significant leadership transition follows a decade of dedicated service from Justin Humphreys and marks a pivotal moment as the organisation prepares to navigate an increasingly complex safeguarding landscape and celebrate its 50th anniversary in the coming years. Reinheimer-Jones steps into this crucial role bringing a wealth of experience and a deep personal commitment to fostering safer environments across various sectors.
Throughout my career, safeguarding has been a constant thread and a deep personal commitment in my work across education and the charity sector.
— Therese Reinheimer-Jones
Her appointment follows a comprehensive leadership review undertaken by the charity, which has resulted in a strategic transition from a joint-CEO model to a single, full-time Chief Executive. This structural change is designed to streamline leadership and enhance the charity's responsiveness to the evolving needs of its extensive membership and the wider safeguarding community. Justin Humphreys, who served as Joint Chief Executive for a decade and dedicated 16 years to the charity, stepped down earlier this year, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of growth and influence.
As part of this carefully considered transition, Steve Ball, who previously shared the role of Joint CEO, has moved into the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) by mutual agreement. In this vital capacity, Steve will provide essential continuity and operational leadership under the new organisational structure, ensuring the seamless delivery of Thirtyone:eight's critical services. This collaborative approach underscores the charity's commitment to maintaining stability and effectiveness during this period of change.
Who is Therese Reinheimer-Jones?
Thirtyone:eight Official Website — The official website for the UK's leading independent Christian safeguarding charity.
- New Chief Executive Officer of Thirtyone:eight.
- Previously CEO of The Mary Ward Settlement.
- Brings extensive leadership experience from education and charity sectors.
- Safeguarding has been a 'constant thread' and 'deep personal commitment' in her career.
- Led services spanning mental health, sexual violence response, and vulnerable communities.
What is Thirtyone:eight?
- The UK's leading independent Christian safeguarding charity.
- Founded in 1977 as the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS).
- Mission is to create safer places for all, particularly within faith communities.
- Supports over 13,000 organisations nationwide in safeguarding practices.
- Provides criminal record checks, training, advice, and consultancy services.
Therese Reinheimer-Jones joins Thirtyone:eight from her impactful role as CEO of The Mary Ward Settlement. In this previous capacity, she oversaw a diverse range of crucial services, including adult education, comprehensive mental health support, and free legal advice, particularly in the field of social welfare law. Her extensive leadership experience spans both the education and charity sectors, where safeguarding has consistently been a foundational element of her work. She describes it as a 'constant thread' and a 'deep personal commitment', reflecting a career dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals.
Her impressive background includes leading services that address complex and sensitive issues, such as mental health support, chaplaincy, responses to sexual violence, thorough investigations, and direct support for vulnerable communities. In these roles, Therese has consistently prioritised creating psychologically safe and trauma-informed environments, embedding practices, cultures, and systems that place care, accountability, and dignity at the forefront. This rich experience positions her uniquely to lead Thirtyone:eight's vital mission.
Therese’s background in safeguarding, alongside her significant leadership experience across the education and charity sector, will be a valuable asset as our membership continues to grow and we adapt to the evolving needs of organisations operating in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.
— Peter Wharrad, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Thirtyone:eight plays an indispensable role in the UK, actively helping over 13,000 organisations nationwide to implement effective safeguarding practices. The charity provides an extensive suite of services designed to equip churches, charities, and other non-governmental organisations with the tools and knowledge they need to create safer environments. These services include essential criminal record checking, comprehensive safeguarding training, expert consultancy, invaluable advice and guidance, in-depth case reviews, and impactful campaigning efforts to raise awareness and drive change.
The organisation's roots trace back to 1977 when it was founded as the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS). From its inception, its mission has been clear: to create safer places for all, with a particular focus on faith communities. As Thirtyone:eight looks ahead to 2027, it will proudly celebrate 50 years of dedicated service, a testament to its enduring commitment and significant impact on safeguarding across the nation. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and cast a vision for future endeavours under new leadership.
Justin Humphreys' Legacy at Thirtyone:eight
- Served as Joint CEO for a decade and was with the charity for 16 years.
- Under his leadership, Thirtyone:eight grew to support over 10,000 organisations.
- Co-founded and served as Principal Advisor for the APPG on Safeguarding in Faith Communities.
- Chaired the Christian Forum for Safeguarding since 2017.
- Authored influential books on safeguarding and spiritual abuse.
Safeguarding Challenges in the UK
- Organisations face evolving risks like online grooming, AI, and group-based exploitation.
- Struggles to keep safeguarding policies and training up-to-date.
- Inadequate governance and oversight by trustees can lead to failures.
- Charities are enduring declining funding amidst increased demand for services.
- There is a stronger focus on multi-agency working and improved information sharing.
Under Justin Humphreys' leadership, Thirtyone:eight experienced remarkable growth, expanding its reach to support over 10,000 churches, charities, and NGOs across the UK and internationally. His tenure saw the charity become widely recognised as a 'go-to' organisation for comprehensive safeguarding support, a testament to his vision and dedication. Humphreys was also instrumental in co-founding the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Safeguarding in Faith Communities in 2018, where he served as its Principal Advisor. Thirtyone:eight proudly continues to provide the secretariat for this vital cross-party group of UK parliamentarians, reinforcing its commitment to influencing national safeguarding policy and practice.
The Board of Trustees expressed their enthusiasm for Therese Reinheimer-Jones's appointment, with Peter Wharrad, Chair of the Board, noting her background and leadership experience will be a valuable asset. He highlighted the importance of adapting to the 'evolving needs of organisations operating in an increasingly complex and challenging environment'. This sentiment reflects the dynamic nature of safeguarding work, which continually demands vigilance, innovation, and robust support systems to address new and emerging risks.
As Therese Reinheimer-Jones steps into her new role, she has expressed her eagerness to connect with members and partners, keen to listen, learn, and build strong relationships. Her leadership comes at a time when safeguarding organisations face numerous challenges, including evolving risks such as online grooming and the complexities introduced by artificial intelligence, alongside the ongoing need to maintain up-to-date policies and training. There is also a stronger focus on multi-agency working and improved information sharing across the sector, all of which Thirtyone:eight actively champions.
Looking towards its significant 50th anniversary in 2027, Thirtyone:eight is poised for its next chapter under Therese Reinheimer-Jones's guidance. Her leadership is set to further strengthen the organisation's vital work, ensuring that it continues to be a trusted guide and bridge-builder, connecting, equipping, and multiplying across the church and wider charity sector to foster safer communities for all. Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to excellence and adaptability in the face of ongoing safeguarding challenges, ensuring the charity remains at the forefront of this essential ministry.
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