Dominic Arnall, the Chief Executive of Just Like Us, is leaving the LGBTQ+ charity after three years.
Following his departure next month, Amy Ashenden will take over as Interim CEO. The charity is currently working alongside Starfish to recruit a permanent Chief Executive.
In a statement, Arnall said leading Just Like Us has been one of the “great privileges” of his career.
“I would like to thank the team, who are one of the most capable and dedicated groups of people I’ve ever been lucky enough to work with. I have no doubt they will continue to scale this organisation to reach more and more LGBT+ young people across the UK, giving them the education and support so many of us didn’t get and many more still aren’t getting,” he said.
“I would also like to thank the board of trustees for their support, in particular the Chair, Daniel Gerring, who works tirelessly to support LGBT+ people throughout the world and has provided a constant source of inspiration throughout my time at Just Like Us.
“I remain a huge supporter of the vital work Just Like Us does and look forward to hearing about their next steps over the coming years.”
Under his leadership, Just Like Us has experienced radical growth with one in two secondary schools across the UK taking part in at least one of their programmes.
He also led the charity through the coronavirus pandemic, “bucking the trend for furloughing staff and instead focusing on the charity’s digital capability, developing an education platform that gives teachers access to LGBT+ inclusive resources.”
Arnall also oversaw the development of their new communications function including a partnership with GAY TIMES that allows various ambassadors to write about their experiences, from coming out as trans to Muslim parents to the lack of support for LGBTQ+ people in schools.
Amy Ashenden
‘Growing Up LGBT’ – the charity’s groundbreaking research report on the challenges young LGBTQ+ people face – was also led by Arnall.
Daniel Gerring, the Chair of Trustees at Just Like Us, said Arnall has been “instrumental in developing Just Like Us into the incredible organisation it is today”.
“Despite the challenges faced by many across the sector over the last few years, Just Like Us has thrived, proving the need – and appetite – for this work has never been stronger. The board and I wish Dominic well on his next steps and thank him for his dedication throughout his time at Just Like Us,” he said.
“We are working hard to appoint a fantastic successor to continue Dominic’s excellent legacy of broadening Just Like Us’ reach to help more LGBT+ young people than ever to thrive.”
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