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Mark Lee, Chief Executive of Stockport charity Together Trust, has announced his upcoming retirement in December 2024 after 11 years in the role.
His retirement comes after over thirty years in the social care sector. Recruitment for his replacement is already underway with the charity hoping to name a successor before the end of the year. The charity, which works across the North West of England championing and caring for the rights, needs and ambitions of the people it supports.
Mark Lee said of his time with the Stockport charity:
“What I’ve enjoyed most about working at the Together Trust is the sense of camaraderie and purpose.
“At the heart of everything we do are the people we support, their families, carers, and all the staff who put their time and effort, beyond what you would expect someone to do, working together to try and improve lives year on year.”
Reflecting on the decision, Mark explains that, although it was a difficult one to make, seeing other colleagues retire made him re-evaluate his position, consider how precious time was, and after three decades committed to the social care sector, he now wanted to now spend more time with his family. He continued:
“My achievements have always been gained though working with an amazing team. No one person achieves things, you achieve as a team or as an organisation, contributing a little bit but achieving a great deal.
“That sense of ethos, ambition and shared support is so, so impressive. To have had a small role to play and be a part of some of those things gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”
Jill Sheldrake, Service Director, has worked with Mark throughout his time at the Together Trust. She says:
“Mark’s personal and professional experience with vulnerable young people and adults has shaped his ambition for services to be developed with the people we support at the heart of the Trust person centred approach.
“Mark brought passion, dedication and authentic leadership. He has guided and led the Trust through nationally difficult times, understanding the need to be agile and responsive to change.
“He has held the Trust steady and striven for growth when the people we support required more diverse and specialist services, and he will leave the Trust with over 47 services that provide outstanding support, in a strong market position.”
The charity is currently working with Gatenby Sanderson to recruit a new CE for The Together Trust, and Mark will continue to lead the charity until the end of the year.
The role is currently being advertised and the new appointment will be announced publicly once they have been selected.