Leading CEO in Huntingdonshire’s voluntary sector announces future retirement
Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations has today announced CEO Julie Farrow has informed the Board of her intention to retire from the charity in April 2025, after over 17 years as Chief Officer. The Board has confirmed it will formally begin succession planning in light of Julie’s intended departure.
Speaking of her announcement, Julie Farrow said:
“As I reflect on my professional career and after more than 17 years leading Hunts Forum, I believe now is the right time for the Board to begin formal succession planning. I am hugely passionate about the voluntary sector and the role of Hunts Forum and am grateful to have had such a fulfilling role.
My relationships with partners across the sector have always been really important to me as I champion and challenge the system. Over the next year, I remain fully focused on executing our strategy and the wider impact it delivers alongside my exceptional team.”
Julie first joined the organisation in April 2008, having worked as a Partnership Manager at the NHS for 5 years previously. At the time of Julie’s arrival, Hunts Forum delivered a District contract and a very small County contract, with no funding from external projects; and the well-known Maple Centre, now a popular bustling hub for the sector, was not a key focus.
Hunts Forum has truly blossomed under Julie’s stewardship. The organisation has grown in size and stature and built an exceptional reputation in supporting the voluntary sector in Huntingdonshire and across Cambridgeshire. The team is now over 40% bigger than when Julie first joined the organisation; with the growth in projects enabling Hunts Forum to grow its impact not just in the sector but as a key local employer too.
A significant achievement in Julie’s tenure also includes leading and securing the Support Cambridgeshire contract which Hunts Forum deliver with Cambridge Council for Voluntary Services (CCVS); offering digital sector support services across the whole county. The deeply regarded programme is now in its second contract and has several other funded projects now running under the partnership banner including Volunteer Cambs.
Julie’s consistent hard work and dedication have put the organisation in an incredibly strong position for the future. Chair of Trustees Noel Kearns commented:
“Julie’s retirement next year will mark the end of a remarkable career with Hunts Forum. The organisation is well known as a leading force in the local voluntary sector. It is stronger than ever thanks to Julie’s exceptional leadership skills, tenacity and a deep drive and determination to represent the sector.
From the very beginning, Julie has been committed to collaboration, and to ensuring the sector has a voice and access to wider support and guidance. The Board and I wish Julie all the best as she prepares for her retirement, and we look forward to working with her over the next year to deliver and set our key strategic goals.”
National body NAVCA has also acknowledged Julie’s recognition as a key charity leader; awarding Julie the Infrastructure Leadership award in March 2019.
The Hunts Forum has a busy year ahead, which Julie will lead with support from her dedicated team – including the rollout of the recently announced five-year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a dedicated Support Fenland project (under the Support Cambridgeshire banner).
The organisation will also be in the spotlight again in mid-July when it announces winners of its annual Volunteer of the Year Awards at a flagship ceremony at Hinchingbrooke Country Park. In this its 30th Anniversary Year, Hunts Forum also has a wider range of events celebrating and supporting the amazing work the charitable sector does, including a Volunteer Fayre in September.
