An update on appointments and governance

This spring term is one full of Christian Union mission. Up and down Great Britain, CU events weeks are taking place with Christian Union students inviting their friends to hear and respond to the life changing news of Jesus Christ.

Alongside the encouraging stories from events weeks, we want to update you on the steps we have taken so far to implement independent recommendations on improved employment practices and, by extension the charity’s governance.

As we reported on 4 October, UCCF received a number of allegations and in response, an independent and thorough investigation was conducted by an experienced employment barrister. In her report the investigator upheld a number of allegations concerning employment practices and contract procedures. We accept that there were instances where the termination of CUSWs’ contracts were badly handled and caused them considerable hurt and upset.

We (UCCF Trustees, Directors and line managers) are genuinely sorry for the way in which contracts were previously handled and for the hurt caused. UCCF is fully committed to implementing all four of the recommendations made by the independent investigator and we are making significant progress on a number of them.

What follows is an update from Simon Day on behalf of the UCCF Trust Board.

Richard Cunningham (Director), Tim Rudge (Field Director) and Simon Day (Chair of Trustees)

Director of People

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Comont as our new Director of People. This strategic hire is part of UCCF's commitment to excellence in our future employment practices.

Mary will be joining UCCF in mid-March and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, with a proven track record in human resources and organisational development. She has a passion for strengthening people practices and supporting employee wellbeing, and we therefore believe she is well-positioned to help lead UCCF's efforts in building a strong and cohesive team.

As UCCF continues to equip students to reach students with the gospel, Mary will play a pivotal role in shaping our people strategy, fostering a culture of collaboration, and ensuring that our workforce remains the driving force behind our ministry.

New trustees

We are delighted to welcome Gareth Burns and Mark Childs to our Trust Board. Alongside their passion for the gospel mission of UCCF, these appointments strengthen our capabilities and experience as a board. We are particularly grateful for Gareth’s governance experience as vice-chair of Stewardship, as well as the breadth and density of his corporate experience.

Mark is a former Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development with enormous experience in senior HR roles and consultancy, which will further complement Mary’s experience.

Further details about both new trustees can be found on the Governance page.

We are actively seeking new and additional trustees, especially those with extensive student ministry experience.

Governance review

Having commissioned a governance review from an independent legal firm, we are also focusing on strengthening our governance structures and processes.

The report is being considered by the Trust Board and we will be working to implement necessary changes from early spring.

As a Trust Board we are very thankful for our partnership in the gospel with all those who work and serve with UCCF to train, support and equip CU students, particularly in this busy term. We are also thankful for UCCF’s many supporters and donors and ask for your ongoing prayers for the work of UCCF, that the Lord would bring many students to Himself through Christian Union events weeks and beyond.

Simon Day, on behalf the UCCF Trust Board

1 February 2024