Kentish Express Ashford & District
Young people’s charity boss is on a new quest
The chief executive of a young people’s charity is leaving to pursue a new challenge. Sean Kearns has not revealed his future plans to staff at CXK, the support organisation he joined in September 2010.
The Ashford-based charity has not yet appointed a successor and its board is in no rush to do so, with the executive team confident it can manage the charity until a new chief can be found.
In the last year, the organisation has won major government contracts with the National Careers Service and the National Citizen Service to give workrelated guidance to vulnerable young people and adults.
It also runs leadership programmes with the Prince’s Trust, manages youth centres and runs training programmes.
Mr Kearns said: “CXK today is a different organisation to the one that I joined five years ago. It now has a diverse and sustainable business model that has a reputation for delivering high-quality services across the south east of England. I am proud to have played a significant part in meeting our goal of diversifying the service.
“I have been privileged to work with the senior leadership and staff at CXK – they are an immensely talented, professional and passionate team in their support of children, young people and their families.
“I feel the time is right to allow someone else to take the helm and lead CXK in the next phase of its development.”
Prior to joining CXK, Mr Kearns worked in the Thames Valley as development director for Connexions Thames Valley and head of community partnerships and economic development for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.
Born out of the old Connexions careers service for young people, CXK consolidated its position in 2013 by merging with another children’s charity, KCFN.
CXK chairman David Philpott said: “Sean has played a pivotal role in transforming CXK from a Kent-centred public service organisation into become a leading south east of England-based charity.
“His leadership, commitment and understanding of the sector has delivered exceptional outcomes for our service users, stakeholders and service commissioners. We will be looking to find a high-calibre replacement who can build on the foundations that Sean has put in place.”