26 July 2022
Our Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Hawthorn will step down from the role in Autumn this year.
Marcus has headed NRCPD since June 2018 and was charged with leading the charity to full independence from Signature. During his tenure, he has grown NRCPD, led us through Covid, created new registers, increased registration figures, and overhauled NRCPD's fitness to practice procedures which are currently out for consultation. He is the architect of the charity's 'Strategic Foundations' strategy, which set down NRCPD's foundations for the future, including a review of practice policy, and his leadership has seen NRCPD as one of nine key Deaf sector organisations lobbying for and securing the British Sign Language Act.
Speaking about his decision, Marcus said:
"I have taken, what is undoubtedly, the hardest professional decision I have ever made to step down later this year from my role as CEO of NRCPD. After nearly four and a half years leading NRCPD's transformation, I am enormously proud of what we have achieved and privileged to have played my part. Leading NRCPD and its dedicated staff has been a highlight of my professional life. The work we are engaged in now will continue, but with development of our next strategy due to begin, I think this is the right time for new leadership to take NRCPD to the next stage of its development. Sharing this news now allows time for recruitment and a smooth handover to the next Chief Executive."
Reflecting on Marcus's time, Liz Duncan, Chair of the NRCPD said:
"Marcus has been a remarkable leader of NRCPD and visionary for the longer-term direction of our sector. He has championed the professional standards of our registrants and regulated trainees in all corners of the UK, especially with government departments and public services. He has, transformed the perception of NRCPD, led us to independence, and ensured we stayed on track through the Covid pandemic. NRCPD would be unrecognisable without his initiatives and will benefit from his wisdom long after he has gone. The Trustees will always be grateful to Marcus for his huge contributions to NRCPD."
Chair, Liz Duncan, is leading the recruitment for a permanent successor, and she will work with the new Chief Executive and Trustees on the next strategic steps for NRCPD's work.
If you are interested in leading NRCPD to the next stage of its development, please consider applying to become Marcus's successor. Details will be available soon.