UCCF update to staff from Simon Day, Chair of the Trust Board

The following message was shared with UCCF staff on 2 April 2024.

Dear colleagues and friends,

We trust that you have enjoyed the Easter weekend, celebrating the sufficiency of Jesus’ death and transforming power of his resurrection.

A few moments ago, you will have received a message from Simon Day, Chair of the Trust Board, which includes a note for us from Richard. UCCF supporters are also being emailed this news today.

You will read that Richard has decided to conclude his employment with UCCF to take up the offer of an immediate three-month sabbatical from ministry. His last day of employment with UCCF was on Easter Sunday. We are praying that this allows a time of deep rest, reflection and catharsis for both Richard and Ruth.

In the future there will be an opportunity to thank Richard for his ministry with UCCF. We will let you know these plans as they develop.

Until a successor to Richard is appointed, the current Directors (Ben, Mary, Pete and Tim) will lead UCCF together. Please pray for us all as we seek to lead with grace and with godly wisdom. Do also pray for the UCCF Exec gathering (from today until Thursday) as we make some important longer-term decisions.

We are aware that colleagues will receive this news in various ways and encourage you to create space for one another to talk about this. Where you want to talk further or raise questions, please speak with your line managers, or one of us. We are here to listen and to support you.

Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher, wrote these words about Easter:

Immanuel, our God is with us --
in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave --
and now He with us,
or rather we with Him --
in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendour.

Let’s let this hope in Jesus motivate us as we care for each other and seek to spur students to live and speak for Jesus as we head into summer term.

Ben, Mary, Pete and Tim

All Staff Email from Simon Day on behalf of Trust Board

Since announcing his intended departure, Richard has intentionally and gradually been handing over key responsibilities to allow a smooth transition rather than a cliff edge departure. After Easter, most executive-level discussions and strategic planning will understandably be focussed on the following academic year (2024/5). Also, the UCCF CEO role that Richard is vacating, has secured a high level of interest from men and women across four continents. Initial informal interviews are already underway, and this process will accelerate after Easter.

In the light of all this, Richard has accepted the Trust Board’s offer of a 3-month sabbatical which has been made in the light of two decades of service. By taking a sabbatical, rather than having to work the usual notice period, Richard can step back from the responsibilities of running an organisation and have the space to plan, pray and prepare for the future. This means that Richard formally stepped down from being on staff on 31 March 2024.

Until the new CEO starts (expected August), Richard’s responsibilities will be shared by the Executive Team, who will continue to operate on a collegial basis during the transition period.

Richard says: “In my 20 years as Director of UCCF, it has been such a pleasure and a privilege to work with successive staff teams. UCCF has always been, and remains, a Fellowship of students, staff and supporters on mission together. I have strived to be mindful, throughout my time as Director, of my differing obligations to each section of the Fellowship.

“Students and their CUs must be demonstrably well-served by UCCF, and our supporters (including scores of individual churches) need to be convinced that we are not taking their generous and sacrificial support and partnership for granted. Our greatest resource - in supporting CUs - has always been, and remains, our staff. We have sought to build happy and effective teams in pursuit of the charity’s aim, ‘to give every student in Great Britain the chance to hear and respond to the gospel of Christ’.

Having worked with hundreds of staff in the last 20 years, I thank God for each of them.

“I am especially mindful of any staff who have left UCCF before they wanted to. May I repeat what I said in Transmission (MAR 18): ‘’If a Staff Worker is enjoying their job and valuing all that is good about being part of a team involved in vibrant mission, to leave that role before you want to can provoke genuine grief and deep sadness. We are deeply sorry for any instances when we have failed those individuals and caused hurt.”

Let’s pray that this precious Fellowship of students, staff and supporters will be strengthened and renewed as UCCF anticipates a new academic year with a new Director at the helm. CU witness - students reaching students for Christ - will always have a special place in my heart and prayers. May the Lord richly bless you. Richard”

The Trust Board value your continued prayers for the appointment of the new CEO. We shall announce details of the new person as soon as we are able.

Simon Day

Chair, UCCF Trust Board

April 2, 2024