Stories Haven House Announces New CEO We are delighted to announce the appointment of Justin Derbyshire as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Justin will be joining Haven House at a critical time and will be pivotal in continuing our mission of providing the highest quality of palliative and holistic care to babies, children and young people and their families within our local communities. Justin brings over 20 years of experience in the third sector to the role. He most recently served as CEO of HelpAge International, a role he held for seven years until stepping down in August 2023. During his tenure, he successfully led the organisation through significant strategic and operational developments. Justin is currently completing his Executive MBA and also serves as a trustee for both Refuge and Restless Development. Justin brings extensive leadership experience and deep knowledge of the third sector to his role. The current plan is for Justin to take up his new role from 2 June 2025. Following the appointment, Ian Ailles, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: "On behalf of everyone at Haven House, I am absolutely delighted to welcome Justin as our new Chief Executive.Justin brings a wealth of experience from across the charity sector, with a proven track record of leading mission-driven organisations through growth, transformation, and impact. His values-led leadership, strategic insight, and deep commitment to social justice are exactly what we need as we look to the future. At a time when the demand for our services continues to grow and the environment, we operate in becomes increasingly complex, Justin’s vision, authenticity, and collaborative approach will be instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges ahead. I am confident that under his leadership, Haven House will continue to evolve, strengthen, and make further strides in realising our vision of delivering the highest quality care to every child and family who needs us. We are excited about this next chapter and look forward to the journey ahead with Justin at the helm”. Justin said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as Chief Executive of Haven House Children’s Hospice. It is a genuine privilege to join such a dedicated, compassionate, and values-driven organisation—one that plays an essential role in providing vital care and support to babies, children, young people, and their families during some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments in their lives. I am excited to work alongside an exceptional team of professionals and volunteers who are united by a shared commitment to delivering the highest standards of care, compassion, and support. As we look to the future, I am committed to building on the strong foundations already in place—celebrating the successes, listening and learning from the experiences of others, and working together to explore new opportunities to grow our reach and deepen our impact. Together, I believe we can ensure that every child and family who turns to Haven House continues to receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve, when they need it most.”