UCCF logo Your browser does not support HTML5 video.
Open menu
  • Students
    • Find a Christian Union
    • Starting uni
    • Welcoming new students
    • Forum
    • Impact Groups
    • Leadership Network
    • Relay
    • Blog
    • Resources
    • Postgraduates
  • Support us
    • Appeals
    • Give
    • Blog
    • Pray
    • Publications
    • Support our staff
    • Support a Relay Worker
  • About
    • Our mission
    • Our team
    • Doctrinal Basis
    • Annual Report
    • Governance
    • Uncover
    • Jobs
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Media updates
  • Richard Cunningham to take 3-month sabbatical as he leaves UCCF after 20 years

Richard Cunningham to take 3-month sabbatical as he leaves UCCF after 20 years

Following the UCCF Trust Board (TB) announcement (FEB 27) that National Director, Richard Cunningham had decided to make this his final academic year (2023/4), UCCF staff have today been updated.

Since announcing his departure, Richard has intentionally and gradually been handing over key responsibilities to allow a smooth transition. After Easter, most executive-level discussions and strategic planning will understandably be focussed on the following academic year (2024/5). Also, the new UCCF CEO role has secured a high level of interest from men and women across four continents.

Initial informal interviews are already underway, and this will accelerate after Easter.

In light of all this, Richard formally stepped down from being on staff on March 31, and in recognition of two decades of service to UCCF, has accepted the TB’s offer of a 3-month sabbatical. This will enable him to step back from the responsibilities of running an organisation and have the space to plan, pray and prepare for the future.

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

Part of Richard’s final message to staff, via the internal Transmission newsletter, Richard said: “Having worked with hundreds of staff over the last 20 years, I thank God for each of them. I am especially mindful of any staff who may have left UCCF before they wanted to. May I repeat what I said in Transmission (MAR18): ‘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 where 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.”

ENDS

2 April 2024

Matt Lillicrap appointed as CEO of UCCF

UCCF are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Lillicrap as the new CEO of UCCF.

Read more

Richard Cunningham to take 3-month sabbatical as he leaves UCCF after 20 years

Following the UCCF Trust Board (TB) announcement (FEB 27) that National Director, Richard Cunningham had decided to make this his final academic year (2023/4), UCCF staff have today been updated.

Read more

Statement on leaked 2009 Human Resource 'speaker notes'

Simon Day, Chair of the UCCF Trust Board comments on leaked 2009 Human Resource ‘Speaker Notes’ used by Premier Christian News in story on UCCF employment practices

Read more
UCCFThe
Christian
Unions
UCCFBethinking
UCCFUncover
UCCFLeadership
Network
UCCF
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram

UCCF logo We are passionate about students reaching students with the good news of Jesus.

IFES logo UCCF is a founder member of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES).

UCCF: The Christian Unions
Blue Boar House
5 Blue Boar Street
Oxford
OX1 4EE

01865 253 678
info@uccf.org.uk

Fundraising Regulator badge with validation link
  • Site Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Governance
  • Safeguarding
  • Feedback and Complaints
  • Doctrinal Basis
  • Media updates
© 2025 UCCF: The Christian Unions.
Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) is a Registered Charity number 306137 (England & Wales) and SC038499 (Scotland), and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 387932. For more information see our Site Policy and Privacy Policy.

Can we set cookies? We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We’d also like to set analytics cookies that help us make improvements by measuring how you use the site. More about cookies.

By clicking the Accept button below you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.