Susan Robinson announces retirement

After 40 years working in practice, I have decided it is time to retire. 

I feel very privileged to have worked in a profession that has enabled me to work in a sector that I have loved, and at Kreston Reeves I have been able to lead the Charities and Not for Profit sector for a large part of my career.  

My first introduction to charities was helping my mother with collecting Christian Aid envelopes and I was touched by the generosity of those with very little.  My first new charity client was one set up to help mothers with very young children to feed and look after them.  I thought this was a natural instinct but my eyes were soon opened to the challenges people encounter.   

When I first started talking about governance some trustees were joining boards to put on their CV’s rather than understanding what was required of them. Over the years I have seen boards grow and develop and the training I now do is about better understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening rather than starting from a low base.   

I have also seen charities grow and develop their offerings.  Life has never been easy for charities and the challenges they face have not changed a lot over the years – funding has always been difficult.  What has changed is the increased demand for services with little extra support. 

The Councils were instrumental in setting up a number of charities to take over services they previously delivered and then over the years, due to their own financial difficulties, have pulled funding.  

However, what I have witnessed is some incredible people doing some incredible work in the sector.  Through my involvement with the Kent Charity Awards I have been reduced to tears and also uplifted by the impact they have had.  

Whilst at Kreston Reeves I have been honoured to work with a great team that are also committed to the sector and as I retire, I know I am leaving them in good hands with Sam Rouse taking over as Head of the Sector ably supported by Lucy Hammond and James Peach.  The charity sector is special and I am leaving some special people to continue the work.  

I may meet some of you again as I intend to work within the sector on a voluntary basis as part of my retirement plan. 

To those I have worked with directly, it has been a privilege.  I wish you all the best for the future.