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Chris Porter leaves The Benevolent

Appointed in 2017, he was the first chief executive in the charity’s 133-year history, after working with it for over 20 years as a trustee since 2010 and as chairman in 2013 and 2014.

His achievements included launching the first mental health campaign of the industry, #NotAlone, which was awarded as Best Trade Campaign last May. As a result, the number of members of the trade helped through the charity’s helpline exponentially increased over the past 17 months, providing support to over 100 more people than it did in 2017, totalling a thousand cases over the past year.

“I am very proud and pleased of where the charity is currently with the increased awareness,” said Porter. “I am truly heartened by the goodwill that exists for The Benevolent and our work. I have been incredibly humbled in having played a part helping people overcome financial, practical and emotional hardship.

“It is an organisation that is at the heart of an industry I love and an industry that has a heart to look after its own. It is one that I will continue to support for many years to come and I have been honoured and privileged to have been its CEO.”

Awareness and support given to the charity by the trade during Porter’s tenure hit new heights, including the Benevolent Ball, which was held at the Natural History Museum and raised £50,000.

Michael Saunders, chairman of The Benevolent said: “We owe Chris a huge debt of thanks for his work for our trade Charity over the last 20 years as a trustee, chairman and CEO. His commitment to the cause and the passion that he has shown is recognised and valued by us all. I am delighted that he will remain a committed supporter as we move forward with our plans for the Charity”.